Danish architect Jan Gehl turns 90 today. His idea led New York to ban cars from Times Square, and his work has reshaped city centers from Melbourne to Copenhagen.
Gehl marks his 90th birthday on September 17, 2026, DR reports. Over a long working life, the Danish architect has influenced urban development in New York, Melbourne, Rotterdam, London, Moscow and Oslo, as well as in Copenhagen.
According to DR, the city government in New York took a groundbreaking decision 17 years ago to ban cars from Times Square. The idea came from Gehl. Before the traffic disappeared, the square was almost impossible to linger in, with narrow sidewalks and cars rushing past.
A good city is like a good party
Gehl described the philosophy behind his work in the DR program “Byernes Mester” from 2023. He said a good city is like a good party, where people stay much longer than they had planned. Nothing in a city is more attractive than other people, he said in the program.
In the same program, Gehl explained how New York’s then mayor, Michael Bloomberg, wanted to turn the city into the world’s best metropolis in 2009. Bloomberg therefore sent representatives to Copenhagen on an inspiration trip. After two days, they said they wanted a city like Copenhagen and asked when Gehl could come.
Work on the New York project began immediately, Gehl told DR’s program. Pedestrians have had ample space on Times Square since 2009. The square remains one of the most cited examples of his approach to city life.
From Strøget to 40 languages
In Denmark, Gehl was among those behind the transformation of Strøget in Copenhagen. In his book “Livet mellem husene”, he describes how the decision to turn the street into a pedestrian zone in 1962 was first met with skepticism and harsh criticism.
That decision became the start of a development that has led to significantly fewer cars in Indre By in Copenhagen, according to DR. The book has been translated into 40 languages. It remains one of the central texts on public space and everyday city life.
DR notes that Gehl still travels the world at the age of 90. He gives lectures and signs books for students, researchers and politicians. His projects have shaped how people experience streets and squares in cities on several continents.
The full DR program about Gehl’s influence in New York is available on DRTV, the broadcaster states. It documents how the Copenhagen model was applied in the American city. DR published its birthday article on the morning of September 17, 2026.
