Homage to Jane Jacobs (1916-2006)

One of the great thinkers of the twentieth century has passed. All residents of New York City and urban citizens of the world owe her a great debt. More here

We human beings are the only city-building creatures in the world. The hives of socially different in how they develop, what they do, and their potentialities. Cities are in a sense natural ecosystems too --for us. They are not disposable. Whenever and wherever societies have flourished and prospered rather than stagnated and decayed, creative and workable cities have been at the core of the phenomenon; they have pulled their weight and more. It is the same still. Decaying cities, declining economies, and mounting social troubles travel together. The combination is not coincidental.

It is urgent that human beings understand as much as we can about city ecology --starting at any point in city processes. The humble, vital services performed by grace of good city streets and neighborhoods are probably as good a starting point as any.

Comments

[Asad]

I agree, Jonathan. Jacobs was a courageous and humane thinker and I feel sadder without her voice. But the obituary you posted is terrible and doesn't give the sense of why she was important. Toronto's Globe and Mail is a little more respectful.

Here's the link.

[Jonathan]

Thanks Asad. That link was from before the major obits were written. I replaced it with the long one from the Times today.