Surveys
Panel Discusses Whether Jane Jacobs' Principles Are Still Relevant
Submitted by Jonathan Sills
Update: For the New York Times' summary of what was said at the panel, click here.
Led by architect and critic Joseph Giovannini, tonight's panel examined whether Jane Jacobs' principles and methods of activism are still relevant to the challenges posed by the current glut of development projects. They also touched on the social and historical context in which Jacobs emerged and the ways she has influenced modern urban design and planning.
Do you agree with what the panelists had to say? Do you think Jane Jacobs' principles are still relevant today? To what extent has the world changed since her activism in the Village in the 1960s? And how are today's challenges different to those she faced?
Whether you attended the event or not, please feel free to give your thoughts on these questions or raise any relevant issues you like by commenting below.
Please note: a video podcast of the event will be available to watch here on Monday, November 5.
Comments
(Post new comment)I covered the event as
Posted by Norman OderMonday, November 5, 2007, 05:23pm
I covered the event as well:
http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/2007/11/look-at-context-and-lega...
All About Jane....
Posted by MICHAEL LAWINGFriday, November 2, 2007, 11:03am
I attended the talk Wed nite. Although I've lived in New York for 13 years and am very passionate about neighborhoods and historic preservation, I really did not know that much about her. I found the personal information about her to be very interesting and revelant. As far as the theme "Can one woman still make a difference?' not so much covered and what is there really to cover?. My personal view is that One Rich Woman can still make a difference. The Bette Middler's, Amanda Burden's, DVF's, Mora Moynihan's of New York have a voice, the little gals, the "nobodies" do not.
yadda yadda
Posted by Benny EmackThursday, November 1, 2007, 10:02pm
Predictable stuff. Who cares if Jane was a great person? Not me. The academics blew a lot of wind not saying much of anything, and Roberta Gratz just wanted to defend the temple. I wish the moderator (Joe?) had stepped in to focus things more. Lotta people don't know who Jane was, and frankly it doesn't matter--what matters is whether she's a role model for change today or just another relic from New York's past. Wasted opportunity.
what a load of blowhards!
Posted by Black GrapeThursday, November 1, 2007, 06:13pm
i'm sorry but the program last night was boring. At least two fewer academics would have made a lot of difference! none of the panelists effectively answered any of the questions about whether Jacobs is still relevant, they just kept going on and on about her activism in the 60s and what sort of person she was. A wonderful homily, but not what I expected from the program.
panel discussion on Halloween
Posted by Katie LynchThursday, November 1, 2007, 04:54pm
I attended last night's panel discussion titled "Can One Woman (Still) Make a Difference." Rather than get bogged down in the personality characteristics of Jane Jacobs, I would have liked the panelists to discuss whether the ideas espoused by Jacobs are still relevant today. I had thought this was one of the major themes of the conversation. The Jane Jacobs glasses were a nice touch, though. I look forward to the next panel titled "When the Big Get Bigger: Universities and their Neighborhoods."
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