Leading Urbanists and Adelaide

Since 2000, a number of global urbanists have worked in Adelaide, in particular under the then Thinkers in Residence program of the Rann Labor Government which sought to bring fresh thinking to a city in transition.

Jan Gehl

Jan Gehl, Danish architect and urbanist, has transformed the way cities are designed with his pioneering focus on human-centered urbanism.

Pedestrian-Friendly Spaces: Gehl advocates for cities designed with pedestrians in mind, emphasizing walkability and minimizing car dependency. He believes that people experience cities best at a human scale, where walking is comfortable and enjoyable.
Public Life and Social Interaction: Gehl stresses the importance of public spaces that encourage social interaction. He sees public life—people using streets, squares, and parks—as vital for fostering a sense of community and civic engagement.
Cycling Infrastructure: Gehl promotes the integration of cycling as a primary mode of urban transportation. He highlights the need for safe, well-designed cycling infrastructure to reduce car traffic and improve public health.
Human Scale in Urban Design: Gehl emphasizes designing cities at a human scale, meaning that buildings, streets, and public spaces should cater to human senses and behaviors. This approach opposes oversized developments or designs dominated by cars and traffic flow

These principles guide his approach to urban planning, aiming to create more sustainable, livable, and sociable cities.

One of Gehl’s most notable achievements is his influence on cities such as Copenhagen and Melbourne. In Copenhagen, his strategies contributed to a significant increase in pedestrian and cycling traffic, transforming the city into one of the most walkable and bike-friendly in the world. Similarly, in Melbourne, Gehl’s recommendations for public space improvements helped revitalize the city’s streets, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive urban environment.

Gehl’s impact extends globally, influencing urban projects in cities like New York and San Francisco. His vision of creating cities that are not only functional but also vibrant and people-centric has set a new standard in urban planning. Through his work, Gehl has demonstrated that thoughtful design can enhance the livability of urban environments, making them more responsive to the needs and experiences of their inhabitants.

Jan Gehl’s work has reshaped urban planning by prioritizing human experiences and interactions. His contributions have led to more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable urban spaces, making a lasting impact on how cities are designed and experienced around the world.

Copenhagen: Jan Gehl’s human-centred urbanism (pedestrian streets, cycling infrastructure, and lively public spaces) increased retail turnover, boosted tourism, and enhanced property values, helping position Copenhagen as one of the world’s most liveable and competitive cities. (Gehl, J. "Cities for People", 2010; Copenhagen City of Cyclists Report, 2017; OECD Territorial Review Copenhagen, 2009)

Charles Landry

“A connected city is a vibrant city, one in which all of its citizens participate. A city that can unlock and marshal the energy of its entire community.”

Charles Landry is known for his work on enhancing the creativity and cultural vitality of cities. His approach focuses on transforming urban environments into vibrant, dynamic places where creativity and innovation can thrive. Landry emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural and creative strategies into urban planning to foster more engaging and resilient communities.

Landry’s influential concept of the “Creative City” suggests that cities can achieve economic and social success by harnessing their cultural assets and promoting creative industries. He advocates for policies and practices that support cultural diversity, artistic expression, and community engagement, arguing that these elements contribute to a city’s attractiveness and competitiveness.

His work includes practical guidance on how cities can develop and leverage their creative potential, involving strategies such as investing in cultural infrastructure, supporting local artists and entrepreneurs, and creating inclusive public spaces that encourage social interaction and cultural exchange. Landry’s ideas have been instrumental in helping cities around the world rethink their approach to urban development and embrace the transformative power of creativity.

What is it that makes a truly great city? The creativity and talent of its citizens. Charles Landry’s residency focused on unlocking this potential and creating a new vision for a resourceful, adaptable and imaginative Adelaide.

Laura Lee

Laura Lee, an internationally recognized architect and educator, emphasizes several key principles in her work:

Human-Centered Design: Laura Lee’s architectural philosophy prioritizes the human experience and well-being, particularly in public and healthcare spaces. As seen in her work with Maggie’s Centres for cancer care, her focus is on creating environments that support emotional and physical health through thoughtful design choices.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Lee advocates for integrating design across various sectors, including education, government, and industry. She believes that solving complex global challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, blending architecture with strategic planning and policy innovation.
Sustainability and Innovation: A significant theme in Lee’s work is her focus on sustainable urban environments. She promotes architectural solutions that address long-term environmental impacts while fostering innovation in building design and construction.
Integrated Design Approach: In her “Integrated Design Strategy for South Australia,” Lee developed a holistic design framework that links architecture, urban planning, and policy to improve the built environment’s contribution to the quality of life and economic resilience.

These principles highlight her commitment to using architecture as a tool for social impact, sustainability, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Another significant global urbanist:

Jane Jacobs

Jane Jacobs, the urban theorist and activist, introduced several key principles that have greatly influenced urban planning. Her work focuses on the organic development of cities and the importance of human-scale environments. The main principles in her work are:

Diversity of Uses: Jacobs advocates for mixed-use neighborhoods where residential, commercial, and cultural activities coexist. This diversity promotes economic vitality, social interaction, and a vibrant street life, making neighborhoods safer and more livable.
Eyes on the Street: Jacobs highlights the importance of natural surveillance in creating safe neighborhoods. When streets are populated with residents, shopkeepers, and passersby, the presence of “eyes on the street” deters crime and fosters a sense of community.
Short Blocks and Walkability: She argues that short, permeable blocks encourage more movement and interaction among people, making streets more dynamic and accessible. Walkability is crucial to creating a thriving urban environment.
Mixed Building Ages and Conditions: Jacobs believes that a mix of new and old buildings fosters diversity in rent levels and usage, allowing different types of businesses and residents to coexist. This mix supports a wider range of economic activities and creativity.
Population Density: Jacobs supports higher population density in cities to ensure vibrant, active public spaces. High density, combined with diversity and mixed-use spaces, leads to more interaction, economic opportunities, and a stronger sense of community.

These principles oppose top-down, large-scale urban renewal projects, favoring instead small-scale, incremental growth that responds to the needs of local communities.