Urban Planning and Urbanism
Discover essential urban planning books and urbanism theory with our curated reading list. Explore Jane Jacobs' classic The Economy of Cities for deep insights into city economics, growth, and vibrant urban design. Perfect for planners, architects, and urban enthusiasts seeking foundational knowledge on how cities thrive.
Book
The Economy of Cities
by Jane Jacobs
In this book, Jane Jacobs, building on the work of her debut, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, investigates the delicate way cities balance the interplay between the domestic production of goods and the ever-changing tide of imports. Using case studies of developing cities in the ancient, pre-agricultural world, and contemporary cities on the decline, like the financially irresponsible New York City of the mid-sixties, Jacobs identifies the main drivers of urban prosperity and growth, often via counterintuitive and revelatory lessons.