Jan Gehl – Public Spaces, Public Life/ “Making Cities for People”*
Gehl repeatedly argues that public spaces (streets, squares, plazas) where people linger, meet, and move slowly increase foot traffic, social interaction, and human well-being, which in turn supports local businesses, retail activity, and the economic vitality of city centres. For example, his surveys of urban life observe how people use public space, and how improvements in the quality of those spaces (amenity, seating, shade, comfort) lead to more people using them. Espace+2Assemble Papers+2
“Pedestrian-Friendly Streets: How Human-Centered Urban Design Boosts … Local Economies” (Gehl)
This piece explicitly discusses plazas/pedestrianised areas (e.g. Times Square in NYC) and shows that after pedestrianisation/public realm improvement: foot traffic increased, pedestrian injuries fell, and economic activity (retail, dining) rose. It’s a strong recent statement of how designed public spaces generate economic as well as social benefits. Gehl
“Public Spaces, Public Life – Jan Gehl & City of Sydney” (Think City Institute Report)
This includes survey data and analysis about how public spaces in Sydney are used and how improvements to them (better design, programming, seating, cleanliness) influence use patterns. Increased use correlates with more business around those spaces and greater vitality. Think City Institute
“Revisiting Jan Gehl’s Approaches … in the Melbourne CBD” (Chitrakar, Herriotts, Bamford)
This study looks at how Gehl’s methods (public space studies / usage surveys) have contributed to making public spaces (including plazas, laneways, streets with amenity) more vibrant in Melbourne’s CBD. Vibrancy is tied to business activation, night-time economy etc. Melbourne Polytechnic Repository
“Rapid evidence review: Public spaces For local economic and wider outcomes” (What Works Centre / What Works Growth)
This is a systematic / rapid review of evidence on public spaces and their economic/local outcomes. Key findings: public space improvements can positively affect property values, retail footfall, local spending, etc. The review notes – more robust evaluations are still needed, especially in relation to employment / wages / long-term economic resilience. What Works Growth