New Prize Recognizes Jane Jacobs' Spirit

Having funded Jane Jacobs' groundbreaking research in the late 1950s, the Rockefeller Foundation has created a $100,000 prize in her name.

1 minute read

June 26, 2007, 12:00 PM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera

"In 1958, a promising but obscure writer for an architectural magazine applied to the Rockefeller Foundation for a research grant.

"Most city planning and rebuilding today is based, fundamentally, on rejection of the city," she wrote. "I am convinced that any good that is going to come of planning for the city is going to have to foster the city's diversity instead of obstructing it."

The grant was approved, and ultimately grew to $18,000. The research helped produce Jane Jacobs's landmark book, "The Death and Life of Great American Cities."

Nearly a half-century later, the Rockefeller Foundation is inaugurating the Jane Jacobs Medals, accompanied by a $100,000 prize.

Barry Benepe, the 79-year-old founder of Greenmarket, will receive the first medal for "lifetime leadership." Omar Freilla, the 33-year-old founder of Green Worker Cooperatives in the Bronx, was named the winner of the first medal for "new ideas and activism.""

FULL STORY: Their Reward for Imagining What New York City Can Be

Monday, June 25, 2007 in The New York Times

Land Use United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.