When outdoor areas are of poor quality, only strictly necessary activities occur. When outdoor areas are of high quality, necessary activities take place with approximately the same frequency—though they clearly tend to take a longer time, because the physical conditions are better. In addition, however, a wide range of optional activities also occur because place and situation now invite people to stop, sit, eat, play, and so on. In streets and city spaces of poor quality, only the bare minimum of activity takes place. People hurry home. In a good environment, a completely different, broad spectrum of human activities is possible.
Jan Gehl
Life Between Buildings
