Avoided Quote by Jane Jacobs
“But look what we have built low-income projects that become worse centers of delinquency, vandalism and general social hopelessness than the slums they were supposed to replace. Cultural centers that are unable to support a good bookstore. Civic centers that are avoided by everyone but bums. Promenades that go from no place to nowhere and have no promenaders. Expressways that eviscerate great cities. This is not the rebuilding of cities. This is the sacking of cities.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Urban renewal often creates sterile, unsafe spaces, destroying community vitality rather than improving it.
In simple terms: Bad city projects harm neighborhoods.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize human‑scale, inclusive design.
Themes
urban planning
community
public space
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
urban
social.
When to use this quote
- city development
- neighborhood revitalization
- public policy
- architecture
Key Concepts
gentrification
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a public space welcoming?
- How can design foster community?
A Different Perspective
Economic motives can outweigh social needs.
