About Gehl institute
Gehl Institute: Transforming Cities through Public Life
Gehl Institute is a non-profit organization that aims to transform the way cities are shaped by making public life an intentional driver for design, policy, and governance. The institute was founded in 2015 by Jan Gehl, a renowned Danish architect and urban designer who has been advocating for people-centered urban planning since the 1960s.
The mission of Gehl Institute is to create more livable and sustainable cities that prioritize the needs of people over cars or buildings. The institute believes that public life is the key to creating vibrant and inclusive communities where people can thrive. By focusing on how people use public spaces, Gehl Institute helps city leaders, planners, designers, and policymakers make informed decisions about how to improve their cities.
One of the core principles of Gehl Institute's approach is "placemaking," which involves creating places that are designed for people rather than just for transportation or commerce. Placemaking involves engaging with local communities to understand their needs and desires for public spaces. This process can lead to more creative solutions that reflect the unique character of each place.
Gehl Institute also emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in urban planning. By collecting data on how people use public spaces, such as parks or sidewalks, city leaders can make informed decisions about where to invest resources. This approach can help ensure that investments in public space are targeted towards areas where they will have the greatest impact.
In addition to its research and advocacy work, Gehl Institute offers consulting services to help cities implement its principles into their planning processes. The institute has worked with cities around the world including New York City, San Francisco, Melbourne (Australia), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Sao Paulo (Brazil).
One example of Gehl Institute's work is its partnership with New York City's Department of Transportation (DOT) on a project called "NYC Plaza Program." The program involved transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant public plazas that are designed for people. Gehl Institute worked with DOT to collect data on how people use the plazas and to make improvements based on that data. The program has been a huge success, with over 70 new public plazas created since its launch in 2008.
Another example of Gehl Institute's work is its partnership with the city of Melbourne, Australia on a project called "People Places." The project involved creating a toolkit for urban designers and planners to help them create more people-centered public spaces. The toolkit includes guidelines for designing streets, parks, and other public spaces that prioritize the needs of people over cars or buildings.
Gehl Institute's work has received widespread recognition from urban planning experts around the world. In 2019, the institute was awarded the prestigious Curry Stone Design Prize in recognition of its innovative approach to urban planning. The prize is awarded annually to organizations that use design as a tool for social change.
In conclusion, Gehl Institute is an innovative non-profit organization that is transforming cities through its focus on public life and placemaking. By prioritizing the needs of people over cars or buildings, Gehl Institute is helping cities create more livable and sustainable communities where everyone can thrive. Its data-driven approach to urban planning has been successful in cities around the world and serves as a model for others looking to improve their own communities.