Exploring the Gehl Door Average

I went exploring the Gehl Door Average (GDA) in action in Maitland. Intrigued by the principles outlined in Jan Gehl's book Cities for People, I roped the family into a comparative study of Morpeth and the High Street near Maitland Council on the weekend.

The GDA is a measure of the number of doors per 100 meters of street frontage. Why is a high GDA important? It boils down to the fundamental principle that diverse and active streets are the lifeblood of any community. Having an average of 10 or more doors per 100m along a sidewalk fosters engagement, curiosity, and a sense of place.

Both Morpeth and the High Street boasted impressive GDAs of 12. However, the real test lay in their vibrancy. While Morpeth bustled with weekend visitors, exuding a palpable energy, the High Street, unfortunately, lacked the same midday vibrancy.

Yet, I suspect there's more to this story. Could the vibrancy on the High Street be reversed on a weekday when people are at work and the tourist town of Morpeth becomes a little sleepy? It's a question that underscores the dynamic nature of urban spaces.

Counting doors serves as a reasonable guide for planners, but it's imperative to pair this with a deeper understanding of the diversity of everyday services operating behind these doors. After all, it's the unique blend of businesses, cafes, boutiques, and cultural hubs that truly breathe life into our streets.

What are your thoughts on the Gehl Door Average and its implications for urban planning? I'd love to hear your insights and experiences in the comments below!