The Human Scale: Bringing Cities to Life
In partnership with SYRconnect, Cities of Purpose

50% of the world’s population lives in urban areas. By 2050 this will increase to 80%. Today we face peak oil, climate change, loneliness and severe health issues due to our way of life. But why?

The Danish architect and professor Jan Gehl has studied human behavior in cities through 40 years. He has documented how modern cities repel human interaction, and argues that we can build cities in a way, which takes human needs for inclusion and intimacy into account. His ideas have inspired the creation of walking streets, the building and improvements of bike paths and the reorganization of parks, squares and other public spaces. Free to the Public.

About the Gifford Foundation ‘What If…” Film Series

The “What If…” Film Series offers free screenings, with moderated discussions, on community change efforts across the country. The purpose of the Series is to screen documentary films that address a community or social issue and show how communities are working to bring about positive social change on this issue. Films are selected based upon their resonance with community issues in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding area and the ability to spark ideas on how our community can also change by asking “What if we tried this in Syracuse?”

Learn about the What If… Mini-Grants