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The Death and Life of Great American Cities
458 pages, 1992
This book is a direct and fundamentally optimistic indictment of the short-sightedness and intellectual arrogance that has characterized urban planning in this century. In prose of outstanding immediacy, Jane Jacobs writes about what makes streets safe or unsafe; about what constitutes a neighborhood, and what function it serves within the larger organism of the city; about why some neighborhoods remain impoverished while others regenerate themselves. She writes about the salutary role of funeral parlors and tenement windows, the dangers of too much development money and too little diversity. Compassionate, bracingly indignant, and always keenly detailed—this book provides an essential framework for assessing the vitality of all cities.
In The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs emphasizes the importance of diversity in urban areas. She believes that a mix of different buildings, people, and activities is crucial for a city's vitality and growth. So, if you're interested in urban planning or development, you might want to check this out.
Jacobs argues that streets and sidewalks are not just for transportation, but they also serve as important public spaces where social interactions occur. She suggests that safe and vibrant streets contribute to a city's overall health. So, if you're curious about how to make your city more lively, this book might give you some ideas.
One of the key takeaways from the book is Jacobs' critique of modernist urban planning. She believes that this approach, which favors large-scale redevelopment and high-rise buildings, often overlooks the needs and desires of local residents. If you're into urban studies or architecture, you'll find her arguments quite compelling.
Jacobs introduces the concept of 'eyes on the street', arguing that a well-used city street is a safe one. The idea is that the more people there are around, the less likely crime is to occur. This is a great concept to explore if you're interested in community safety or crime prevention.
In The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jacobs also highlights the value of old buildings. She believes they provide character, variety, and a sense of history, which are all essential for a city's identity. If you're a history buff or just love old architecture, you'll definitely appreciate her perspective.
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Jacobs' book is a manifesto that has forever changed the way we understand the city. It's a classic that has a profound influence on urban planning and design.
Robert A.M. Stern - Architect, EducatorJane Jacobs' book is a masterpiece that offers a new framework for understanding the dynamics of urban life.
Malcolm Gladwell - Author, JournalistJacobs' book is a seminal work that has reshaped our thinking about cities and their development.
Paul Goldberger - Architecture CriticJane Jacobs' book is a groundbreaking work that has transformed our understanding of urban environments.
Michael Kimmelman - Art Critic
