FIRM:
BEHNISCH ARCHITEKTEN
LOS ANGELES
Venice, CA

Design Prime:
Stefan Behnisch
Christof Jantzen
Mauricio Espinosa

Design Architects:
Stephanie Cramer
Robert Goehringer
Behnisch

Creating an Urban Oasis
During the past 100 years a number of dramatic changes in the character of public life have taken place, all of which makes detailed and careful planning of people an essential theme within the built environment. Comparing street scenes from 100 years ago with present day street scenes, an obvious change in the volume and character of the public life stands out. In the bustling street scenes from around 1900, nearly all people are engaged in some type of necessary activities. Use of the public realm was an important part of daily life, and the spaces were fi lled to maximum capacity with all kinds of activities; in the process, public space functioned in the ever-present role as the essential meeting place for people.
Today there is a worldwide trend in the changing character of cities from their industrial roots to a place for optional recreation and leisure. However this trend places a very high demand on the quality offered by the public realm. If the quality is missing, people will not come–they have many other interesting options open to them. However, if the public
spaces are well-placed, well designed and inviting, evidence from all over the world points to the fact that people continue to appreciate public life in public spaces (with active streets, squares and parks). Thus if lively, attractive, and safe cities are to be realized in the 21st century, positive pedestrian qualities are vital and must be addressed. In the end, if the invitation is right, people will visit the place!