American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What is the main critique discussed in Jane Jacobs' "The Death and Life of Great American Cities"?

1. The effectiveness of modern architecture

2. The impact of highways on urban neighborhoods

3. The planning processes that ignore urban community dynamics

4. The role of urban sprawl in city development

The correct answer is: The planning processes that ignore urban community dynamics

In "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," Jane Jacobs primarily critiques the modernist planning approaches that tend to overlook the complex dynamics of urban communities. Jacobs emphasizes that effective city planning must consider the intricate interactions of residents, businesses, and social networks within neighborhoods. She argues that when planners disregard these community dynamics, they risk creating environments that are detrimental to the very fabric of urban life. Jacobs advocates for a grassroots perspective, highlighting the importance of mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly environments, and the organic growth of neighborhoods. Her observations challenge the top-down, one-size-fits-all strategies often employed by urban planners during her time, which frequently prioritized large-scale developments and road expansions without understanding how these changes would impact the existing community. This focus on community dynamics is a cornerstone of Jacobs’ philosophy, making it clear that urban planning should be responsive to the needs and behaviors of its inhabitants rather than imposed from an external standpoint. By critiquing the lack of attention to these dynamics, Jacobs underscores the need for planners to engage with the realities of urban life to create vibrant, sustainable cities.