Cities Quote by Jane Jacobs
“Everyone is aware that tremendous numbers of people concentrate in city downtowns and that, if they did not, there would be no downtown to amount to anything--certainly not one with much downtown diversity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs, 1961
Dense, diverse downtowns are vital for urban vitality; without them, cities lose their cultural and economic dynamism.
In simple terms: Vibrant city centers need many people and varied uses.
Key Takeaway
Support mixed-use development to sustain downtown life.
Themes
urban vitality
diversity
community
economics
Mood
optimistic
pragmatic
Type
urbanist
sociological
When to use this quote
- city zoning
- public space design
- local business support
Key Concepts
mixed-use planning
social interaction
economic resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- What measures ensure downtowns remain inclusive and livable?
- How can planners balance growth with community needs?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on density can ignore quality of life and affordability.
![“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/quotes/img-quotes/0e2/jane-jacobs-1991_architect_the-notion-and-i-tell-you-this-one-even_2115717.jpg)
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
