Residents are invited to take part in public meetings and attend a documentary screening about the value of placemaking and engaging public spaces on September 21 and 22. The meetings will be led by the Gehl Studios, an internationally recognized urban design firm brought to Fort Wayne by the Knight Foundation Fund and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.

On Wednesday, September 21, the public is invited to a screening of The Human Scale, a film that documents Danish architect Jan Gehl’s research regarding human behavior in cities. Gehl contends that metropolitan areas should be built in a way that accounts for human needs and social interaction. The event takes place at Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., and begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception including light refreshments and a cash bar. The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last approximately one hour. Gehl representatives will be available for a short question and answer session at the conclusion of the screening.

On Thursday September 22, the public is invited to one of two community engagement meetings, which will include discussion about possible local projects and the City’s approach to placemaking and creating interesting public spaces. After the meetings, the Gehl Studios will propose a public space project that will be explored further by local leaders. The meetings will both be held at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art in the Overlook Hall, 311 E. Main St. The first is from 2-3:30 p.m. and the second is from 5:30-7 p.m.

The Gehl Studios has worked with both large and small communities, including Carmel, Indiana and New York City. A nationally recognized example of their work is the transformation of Times Square, where was redesigned to better meet the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. You can find additional information about Gehl by visiting www.gehlpeople.com.