¹Centre for Public Space Research – Realdania Research, Institute for Planning, School of Architecture, The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Philip de Langes Allé 10, DK-1435, Copenhagen K, Denmark

Correspondence: Jan Gehl, Tel: +45-32-68-66-48; Fax: +45-32-68-61-22; E-mail: cbf@karch.dk

Abstract

What we have are closed, self-absorbed buildings. What we would like to have is open, versatile, interesting and safe cities. The challenge is how to incorporate large buildings in cities where people have the same small stature and slow pace they had hundreds of years ago. There is now a considerable confusion in the gap between large and small scales and between 'quick' and 'slow' architecture. Ground floor facades provide an important link between these scales and between buildings and people. For public space and buildings to be treated as a whole, the ground floor facades must have a special and welcoming design. This good, close encounter architecture is vital for good cities.