What does it measure?
Human behavior and social dynamics within the urban environment. Specifically, it analyzes pedestrian and cyclist occupancy levels, the diversity of activities performed in public spaces, and the technical relationship between physical urban design elements and their actual usage by the public.
The Insight
It transforms street-level observation into high-value quantitative indicators for urban design. By diagnosing how and why people use (or avoid) certain spaces, this tool supports revitalization projects with robust behavioral data. This ensures that infrastructure investment effectively translates into a more vibrant, inclusive, and human-centered city.
¿Cómo se aplica?
A direct and systematic observation methodology is used, combining international standards from Gehl People with proprietary protocols developed at Ciudad Emergente’s Laboratory. Data collection is structured into two core components:
Public Life Measurement: Pedestrian and cyclist flow counts, lingering/stationary activity records, and behavioral mapping (distinguishing between necessary, optional, and social activities).
Spatial Quality Measurement: Technical assessment of infrastructure, comfort, safety, and the overall attractiveness of urban furniture and streetscapes.