The Death and Life of Great American Cities (Jane Jacobs)

"The Death and Life of Great American Cities," written by Jane Jacobs, critiques urban planning practices of the 1950s that favored car-centric development and large-scale projects. Jacobs argues that vibrant, thriving cities rely on diverse, mixed-use neighborhoods that encourage pedestrian activity and community interaction. She emphasizes the importance of well-designed public spaces and the value of local, organic growth over imposed urban renewal plans. This book reshaped how we think about city design, highlighting the need for lively, connected communities to foster social and economic vitality.