In How to Study Public Life, Jan Gehl and Birgitte Svarre illuminate the transformative power of urban observation, grounding it as an essential practice for anyone striving to design cities that truly serve their residents. Published in 2013, this book remains highly relevant, equipping urban designers, architects, and city planners with practical tools to understand and enhance public spaces. As Gehl and Svarre describe, this systematic approach encourages a deep appreciation of how public life interacts with urban design, inspiring city-makers to prioritize human experience in every phase of planning.

Gehl, a pioneer in urban design who helped reframe Copenhagen’s streets for people rather than cars, leverages over five decades of insights to guide readers through methods to observe, analyze, and elevate the quality of life within public spaces. With topics ranging from foundational theories to detailed case studies, the book offers accessible techniques for studying public spaces in any city. For example, Gehl’s approach champions hands-on observation over solely technological tools, urging urban designers to manually document pedestrian flows and social interactions to capture the nuanced rhythm of city life.

A particularly compelling aspect of the book is its emphasis on understanding the impact of physical spaces on human behavior—a topic that has only grown more pertinent as cities worldwide grapple with the dual demands of urban density and livability. The authors advocate for strategies that encourage vibrant public life, such as integrating rather than isolating public spaces, inviting interaction instead of fostering exclusion, and designing open spaces that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. These principles resonate with ongoing urban design discussions about making cities more people-centric, reducing car dependency, and fostering walkable, sustainable environments.