Quotable

“Throughout history, public space had three functions: it’s been the meeting place and the marketplace and the connection space. And what has happened in most cities is that we forgot about the meeting place, we moved the marketplace to somewhere else, and then we filled all the streets with connection, as if connection was the only goal in city planning, in public space.

It’s hardly a coincidence that the number one amendment to the American Constitution emphasizes the right to free speech and to peaceful gathering with your fellow citizens. That is one of the strongest expressions of the importance of the public space.”

Jan Gehl, professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts.