EP 1: Public life and the Tools to study it

In this episode, we explore the field of "public life studies" and the tools and methods for observing and analyzing the dynamics of public spaces, as outlined in the book "How to Study Public Life" by Jan Gehl and Birgitte Svarre. Gehl and Svarre, renowned experts in urban design, provide a history of this discipline and share practical techniques such as counting, mapping, tracing, and tracking to systematically study how people use and interact with public spaces. These evidence-based approaches can empower the public to assess their environment and inform policy decisions to create more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly cities. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding "life between buildings" and designing public infrastructure centered around human needs and behaviors. This episode offers valuable insights for urban planners, designers, and anyone interested in improving the quality of public life in cities.

Background music: Background Music for Podcast (2023) YouTube. Available at:    • BACKGROUND MUSIC FOR PODCAST   (Accessed: 21 June 2024).