Life and Complexity in Urban Space

Abstract

Modernist urban planning and architecture wanted to get rid of the urban street in favour of cars and a floating open space. Since around 1980, Scandinavia as well as other western countries have seen a renewed interest in planning and design of urban streets. Urban streets are probably a key element of a humane city with encounters among strangers in public space and with differences, as well as the possibility of unforeseen events taking place. The understanding of humane aspects of street life has been hampered by fear of urban complexity. The article discusses the question of urban streets and urban complexity with an offset in theories of space, information, communication and elementary social life.