The Human Scale

Divided into five "chapters," Andreas Daalsgard's documentary addresses the continued growth and evolution of cities around the planet—a timely topic, especially as more and more people (particularly in the developing world) embark on permanent migrations to impersonal "megacity" urban centers. Interviewees discuss how planners and architects—somewhat belatedly in many cases—try to come up with "humanistic" living designs that are healthy and functional for people, instead of the monolithic old model that offered up exhaust-choked thoroughfares for motor vehicles (and monstrous skyscraper-blocks for Big Business). Much of the material and outlook derives from the work of Danish author Jan Gehl, whose architectural firm addressed these problems with the designing of Copenhagen in the 1960s and the rebuilding of Christchurch, New Zealand, following a devastating recent earthquake. Gehl's solutions include priority consideration for pedestrians, rickshaws, and bicyclists, while also retaining social public spaces and small merchants venues. Additional filming locations here include China, Italy, Australia, Bangladesh, and New York City, all of which illustrate quality-of-life issues for citizens. Offering a thought-provoking look at a pressing social issue, this is highly recommended. (C. Cassady)