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jane jacobs
1916 – 2006
Extra-ordinary People
Jane Jacobs was a writer, journalist and activist who lived in the United States during 1950s and 60s. She championed community-based approaches to city planning. She had no formal training in architecture or urban planning—fields largely led by men—Jacobs relied instead on her observations.
Her influence didn’t stop with safety and social dynamics. She emphasized human-centered design for sustainability and inclusivity. Jacobs’s vision has inspired urban planners, designers, and activists worldwide to rethink the purpose of urban spaces.
Central to her vision was the ideas on “eyes on the street”, proving how safety and community welfare were perceived in urban spaces. She argued that well-designed streets with active sidewalks naturally, created a shared sense of accountability and watchfulness. She opposed policed or surveilled neighborhoods, emphasizing community trust was key for safer cities.
Beyond safety, Jacobs believed that cities are like “living organism” and sidewalks act as social arteries, bringing together diverse groups of people and fostering spontaneous interactions, which Jacobs saw as critical to a healthy, thriving urban life. This organic, informal use of public spaces supports what she called the “intricate sidewalk ballet,” where daily routines intersect, and community bonds are strengthened.
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