The Human Scale

The Human Scale is a documentary film that was released in 2012, directed by Andreas M. Dalsgaard. The film is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which cities are designed and how they impact the people that live in them.

The movie primarily focuses on Jan Gehl, a Danish architect and urban planner who has spent a lifetime studying the ways in which people interact with their urban environments. Gehl argues that cities have become too focused on cars and other forms of transportation, leading to a lack of social interaction and a decline in quality of life.

The film takes viewers on a journey to cities around the world to explore the impact of different design strategies. In Melbourne, Australia, we learn about the city's recent commitment to "pedestrianization," which involves creating more open spaces and limiting the number of cars on the streets. The film also shows how the city of Bogota, Colombia has transformed itself through the implementation of a massive network of bike lanes.

The movie isn't just about design and architecture, however. It also delves into the social implications of urban planning, particularly the ways in which different areas of cities can become separated based on race and socioeconomic status. The film argues that cities must be more inclusive, allowing for people of all backgrounds to interact with one another and form relationships that can help build stronger communities.

Another central theme of the film is the need to prioritize the needs of people over those of cars. Gehl and other urban planners argue that cars have come to dominate the urban landscape, leading to a decline in quality of life as well as negative impacts on the environment. By creating spaces that prioritize walking, biking, and public transportation, cities can help reduce their carbon footprint and make their residents healthier and happier.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a number of experts and advocates who are working to transform the way cities are designed. We hear from Rob Adams, an urban designer who has played a key role in shaping the city of Melbourne. We also learn about the work of Robert Doyle, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, who has made urban planning a key focus of his tenure.

Overall, The Human Scale is an enlightening and thought-provoking film that will inspire viewers to think about the places they call home in a new way. Through interviews with experts, stunning visuals of cities around the world, and compelling arguments for change, the film offers a powerful vision for a more sustainable, more inclusive, and more human-centered urban future.