Applying Gehl Methods and Participatory Design in Architecture Education

Anna Koosmann (University of Arizona)

The fourth year architecture studio at the University of Arizona conducted a public space study of the campus Arts District in January 2018. The study utilized participatory input and the Gehl Institute’s Public Life Tool surveys to create a masterplan for future installations. The design studio organized the study in two parts: a stakeholder workshop and surveys. The workshop included a steering committee of the Arts District stakeholders and university department heads. The workshop activities focused on ideas and goals for reimagining the district. The information gathered from the surveys was used to create an Arts District masterplan and funding proposal for a future structure. The paper demonstrates how these methodologies provides a vehicle to collect multiple inputs, as an educational tool, for studying public space for design implementation.