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

Eyes on the Street: DOT’s ‘Broadway Vision’ Starts to Clear Up

The Department of Transportation has transformed Broadway into a new corridor for pedestrians and cyclists.

July 8, 2025

Amsterdam Leads the Way on E-Bike Regulation — Should New York Follow Suit?

The city's biking- and walking-friendly streets expose the hypocrisy harsh e-bike enforcement without better street design.

July 8, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Rethinking Avenue B Edition

DOT is taking feedback on the future of Avenue B. Plus more news.

July 8, 2025

Eric Adams’s ‘Dept. of Sustainable Delivery’ Isn’t Actually A Department

The "Department of Sustainable Delivery" will launch with 45 "peace officers" in 2028, the mayor said on Monday.

July 7, 2025

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

‘Rush’ Routes Debut in Queens Bus Map 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
See all posts