Susan S. Fainstein is a political theorist and scholar of urban planning whose work centers on the concept of the just city. Her research examines the distributive effects of urban development strategies and megaprojects. She also explores the role of democracy and community control within local public institutions. Fainstein endeavors to establish a moral theory of the just city, emphasizing equity and social justice.
Susan Fainstein's concept of the just city encourages planners and policymakers to embrace a different approach to urban development, combining progressive city planners' earlier focus on equity and material well-being with considerations of diversity.
The book explores the cycles of urban redevelopment in New York and London over the past two decades, focusing on significant projects like Times Square and King's Cross. Susan Fainstein analyzes the interplay between developers, public policy, and market dynamics, revealing how perceptions and strategies influence outcomes. By comparing the cities' experiences with globalization and institutional structures, she highlights both convergence and divergence in their redevelopment efforts. The conclusion offers realistic strategies for urban renewal that enhance community well-being amidst the impact of "theme park" developments.
The second edition of this very successful volume examines the current state of planning theory and the new directions it has taken in recent years.