The notion - and I tell you this one even worries me that…
![“The notion - and I tell you this one even worries me that it extends into New Urbanism - the notion of the shopping center [as] a valid kind of downtown. That's taken over. It's very hard for architects of this generation even to think in terms of a downtown or a center that is owned by all…” quote by Jane Jacobs](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/0e2/jane-jacobs-1991_architect_the-notion-and-i-tell-you-this-one-even_2115717.png)
“The notion - and I tell you this one even worries me that it extends into New Urbanism - the notion of the shopping center [as] a valid kind of downtown. That's taken over. It's very hard for architects of this generation even to think in terms of a downtown or a center that is owned by all different people, with different ideas.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jacobs warns that treating shopping centers as downtowns erodes true urban diversity and public ownership.
In simple terms: Shopping centers replace real downtowns, harming community ownership.
Key Takeaway
Promote mixed-use, publicly owned urban cores.
Themes
urban planning
public space
community ownership
commercial development
new urbanism
Mood
critical
concerned
analytical
Type
philosophical
urban critique
When to use this quote
- city planning
- community meetings
- policy advocacy
- real estate development
Key Concepts
public realm
collective ownership
urban diversity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can cities balance private development with public ownership?
- What policies protect authentic downtowns?
A Different Perspective
Commercial interests often dominate, limiting genuine public participation.