Insights and reflections on Jane Jacobs' legacy. Toward a Jacobsian theory of the city

摘要

Jane Jacobs is surely an authoress who raised many valuable insights and crucial questions for contemporary cities. This paper critically reflects on Jane Jacobs' contribution by focusing on her unending legacy in the field of urban studies and planning. In particular, throughout her life, the American- Canadian writer has observed cities and their spontaneous processes of transformation, advancing innovative theoretical perspectives as regards urban planning failures and unexpected and emergent outcomes. In her view, the city is a living system and its success or decline depends upon its internal ability to regenerate continuously despite unpredictable changes and challenges. Moreover, the paper tries to emphasize her vision in favor of spontaneous city and incremental and bottom-up development, focusing on people, their actions and interactions within complex urban arenas.