Susan S. Fainstein es una teórica política y académica especializada en planificación urbana, cuyo trabajo se centra en el concepto de la ciudad justa. Su investigación examina los efectos distributivos de las estrategias de desarrollo urbano y los megaproyectos. También explora el papel de la democracia y el control comunitario dentro de las instituciones públicas locales. Fainstein se esfuerza por establecer una teoría moral de la ciudad justa, enfatizando la equidad y la justicia social.
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.