Citizen Jane: Battle for the City

The battle between urban planners Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs in mid-20th century New York City shaped the city's development. Moses, a powerful figure, sought to demolish and rebuild neighborhoods, prioritizing homogeneous areas with tall buildings and freeways. Jacobs, a Manhattan resident and journalist, advocated for preserving diverse, human-scale neighborhoods. She believed Moses' approach would lead to sterile environments and neglected the value of community interaction. The two clashed over key projects, and their debate continues to influence urban planning today, with many developing countries following Moses' approach and risking the creation of tomorrow's slums.