Episode 8: Justice by Urban Design with Shin Koseki

When we think of public space we tend to think of the urban environment around us: the buildings, bus stops, parks and walkways. But how often do we look at these mundane objects as forms of design and social interaction? Can the urban environment influence the way we behave? Is urban design actually a form of policy making? “We have to begin to understand that we are the environment”, says Shin Koseki, who is featuring us in this episode. Shin is UNESCO Chair Professor in Urban Landscape at the University of Montreal in Canada. "The most influential factor to human behavior is not building or places, it is the other people". In this episode we discuss how the design of our urban environment can influence social justice and everyday democracy. Do “broken windows” really encourage criminal behavior? Is it possible to make people obedient to law through urban design? We also talk about the particular design of the spaces of justice, especially courthouses. Why do courthouses always look either pompous or boring? What would bring good feng shui to a courtroom?