Susan S. Fainstein est une théoricienne politique et une spécialiste de l'urbanisme dont le travail se concentre sur le concept de la ville juste. Ses recherches examinent les effets distributifs des stratégies de développement urbain et des mégaprojets. Elle explore également le rôle de la démocratie et du contrôle communautaire au sein des institutions publiques locales. Fainstein s'efforce d'établir une théorie morale de la ville juste, en mettant l'accent sur l'équité et la justice sociale.
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.