Downtown is for people

Theres a great amount of substance to the title of this weeks reading. The feeling of a 'downtown' environment is that of a uniquely appealling place of-which effortlessly attracts people (or foot traffic). I personally relate it to the bazaar (arabian markets), as it has an established purposs and function that makes it act as a focal point for human activity (both during the day and night); and individuality through defining public features (such as a communal fountain) .

Below is a photo of Maiden Lane, San Fransisco. And, as described in the chapter, it has 'trees along sidewalks, redwood benches to invite the sightseer or window shopper/buyer to linger, sidewalks of coloured paving and sidewalk umbrellas when the sun gets hot. All the merchants do things differently some put out tables with their wares, some hang out window boxes  and grow vines.' It also has old buildings mixed with new and 'the pedestrians welfare is supreme; during the rush of the day, (as) he has the street'.

What a classic example of what a downtown district consists of. Essentially, it all comes down to being a place that's meant to be safe and fun.

Jane Jacobs, the author of this chapter, comes across as a 'tell it like it is' kind of person. Jacobs had been highly critical of previous urban planning methods and in her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities she makes a proud list of her own sugguestions that have ironically been influential over todays urban planning.