Jane Jacobs: A Pioneer in City Planning
Jane Jacobs' recent death gives us a chance to reflect on her contribution to the field of city planning.
In the 1960s, Jane Jacobs published a book entitled The Death and Life of Great American Cities. The book's focus on spontaneous city growth from the bottom up instead of the top down caused a revolution in the architectural and city planning industries. Jacobs was also an activist, and was instrumental in blocking several initiatives in Manhattan to create large expressways that would have disrupted neighborhoods.
Jacobs' Revolution Helped Lead to Collegiate City Planning Degree Programs
Jacobs' interest in maintaining intimate neighborhoods showed America how important city planning was to our country's long term growth. Since her day, the city planning field has blossomed. There are colleges that offer degree programs in city planning, and more and more students are enrolling in these degree programs. Students majoring in city planning are often required to read Jacobs' influential book.Earn an Online Degree in City Planning
If you want to become a city planner, but don't have the time or money to go back to school full time, you may want to enroll in an online degree program. There are a number of schools that offer online degree programs in city planning that are specifically made for working professionals. These online degree programs enable students to better balance their schoolwork with their professional responsibilities.The memory of Jane Jacobs is inspiring to all those who want to live in more cohesive communities. Her legacy and cause are now the responsibility of today's city planners. Do you want to share in that responsibility?
Source
- She Began a City Planning Revolution
- Boston Globe
About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is a singer living in Chicago, IL. Having received his B.A. in Government at Harvard, Kirk previously worked as a management consultant.
