by JANE JACOBS
“This book is an attack on current city planning and rebuilding.”[1] – Jane Jacobs, 1961. In 1930s and 40s many historic buildings were destroyed and neighborhoods were ruined by the insertion of flyovers and roads to facilitate cars. Jane Jacobs, housewife and part time journalist came forward as social activist to respond to this destruction done in the name of greater good.
New York in 1930s- 40s, was shaped by a figure- Robert Moses- the master builder. His primary concern was to build parks as recreational places for the people of NY. The roads and highways started taking place to reach the parks, from other parts of the city. Car was the symbol of modern recreation and freedom of the people that time. He advocated, “Cities are created by and for traffic. A city without traffic is a ghost town.”[2] Moreover, new city planning principles by Frank Lloyd Wright (Broadacre) and Le Corbusier (the contemporary cities) promoted the extensive adaptation of cars in city planning.
The one thing was missing in all these situations, was a life of Human being. Safety of children and old people, social life of citizens were hindered because of these cars and the infrastructure prepared for cars.
Jane Jacobs argued in the text, the authorities have favored clear winners and neglected left out losers in the name of greater good of the society. They applied tactics of patronizing in the name of economic growth. As a result, a nicely cultivated neighborhood since long time was ripped off by one decision of making Cross Bronx Expressway.
She criticized high-rise apartments, which restrict social behavior of residents. She called Six floors syndrome to a hypothetical lifestyle, in which a person spends his life in 6th floor from birth to death. She showed concern for urbanism where diversity is missing and she criticized The Giraffe condominiums and suburban sprawls.
She gave commonsensical concepts of urban planning like; Eyes on the street for safety, Side walk Ballet for activity, safety and vibrancy evoking social life on streets, Integrating slums in the cities for mixed residential development and nearby livelihood of slum dwellers. Diversity of residential with various amenities and livelihood is essential for growth where zoning does not work efficiently.
She suggested, agglomeration of resources as shared transport (today’s car pulling) is always good for economy of the city. Bringing together the mixed uses, class & castes would create social environment in a neighborhood. A regimental (implementing stark distinction) policy of planning would destroy interaction within neighborhood. Urban blocks having smaller sizes would allow more permutations of circulation (traffic and pedestrian).
In order to build social capital we blindly urge for economic growth, ignoring the life on streets and in neighborhood.
Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs are symbols in any society. The text is about expert (singular power) vs. ordinary citizen (life). It is not always as binary as we discussed here, but important is to eliminate the negligence of human life happening often in expert oriented planning. Professional experts should include public participation for social and cultural values of the city. Here, Jane Jacobs advocates public conciliation and consultation of experts by manifesting the inclusive process of planning.
[1] pg.3, “THE DEATH AND LIFE OF GREAT AMERICAN CITIES”, Random House, New York-1961
[2] A statement from an interview of Robert Moses for Greenwich Village, to advocate his urban renewal plan.