Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Jane Jacobs' ideas redefined urban planning, and her hometowns of New York and Toronto are among many cities that continue to feel the impact of her writings. The American Planning Association's New York Metro Chapter, the Canadian Consulate General, and NYU Wagner will present a panel exploring the importance, meaning, and influence of her work, in theory and in practice.

Panellists include:

    • Paul Goldberger, Architecture Critic for The New Yorker
    • Paul Bedford, former Chief City Planner of Toronto
    • Lisa Rochon, Architecture Critic for The Globe and Mail
    • Raymond Gastil, Director, Manhattan Office, Department of City Planning
    • Eugenie Birch, Professor and Chair, University of Pennsylvania Department of City and Regional Planning and former New York City Planning Commissioner

These panellists, New Yorkers and Torontonians, will compare the impact Jacobs' work has had on their two cities. They will discuss how the planning process and specific projects in both cities have been influenced by her and how her philosophy has in turn been modified by planners in the 45 years since publication of The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

Panel members will also explore which elements of Jacobs' ideas underlie controversial projects today, and which are passé for modern planners. Is Jane Jacobs still on the mark now? Which of her writings are worth revisiting? The panellists will share their opinions on how to move forward in an era where broad vision and public review are important parts of planning a project.

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6 - 8 p.m.

WHERE: NYU Wagner's Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street at East Houston Street, 2nd Floor

RSVP: http://wagner.nyu.edu/events/janejacobs.php

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

New Air Quality Stats Dispel Earlier Forecasts for Congestion Pricing Pollution

Air quality has improved or remained steady across the five boroughs since congestion pricing launched in January, city health department data showed.

July 7, 2025

New ‘Rush’ Routes Launch With Queens Overhaul More Than Five Years in the Making

The MTA's new "rush" routes make fewer stops in busy downtown areas to avoid wasted time merging in and out of traffic.

July 7, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Run This Town Edition

The 34th Street busway is the latest casualty of the mayor's lack of a spine on transportation issues. Plus more news.

July 7, 2025

Beach Reading: Zohran Mamdani’s Answers to Streetsblog’s Mayoral Candidate Survey

Spend the holiday weekend with Zohran Mamdani's answers to Streetsblog's mayoral candidate questionnaire.

July 4, 2025

Friday Video: Why NYC Needs ‘Low-Traffic Neighborhoods’

London's Church Street, like so many of our business corridors, was choking on cars — until the advent of the low-traffic neighborhood.

July 4, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: E-Bikes in Parks … Permanently Edition

The Parks Department will permanently allow e-bikes in city parks following a two-year pilot. Plus more news.

July 4, 2025
See all posts