The development of modern cities raises a number of issues, which provoke the public dissatisfaction and estrangement of communities within large cities. In this regard, specialists, like Jacobs and Reynolds attempt to present their vision of the urban development with reference to their studies and analysis of the past development of urban areas.
Jacobs stands on the ground that the development of modern cities is chaotic and has a destructive impact on the life of communities. To put it more precisely, the development of urban areas involves the construction of specialized areas, where people live, work and spend their time. The existence of distinct areas in large cities contributes to the destruction of traditional communities. Cities turn into places for living, where people have certain areas to live, to work, and to perform other vitally important functions. Hence, cities’ communities are destroyed by the urban development. Eventually, the author concludes that the development of modern cities is destructive.
At this point, it is possible to refer to the experience of Reynolds, who studied the development of cities and buildings in the US in the past. He points out that the construction of buildings in the past was closely intertwined with needs of communities. Buildings were constructed to meet needs of people and to help them to maintain the traditional communication and interaction within the community. In such a way, Reynolds reveals the fact that the past experience is helpful for the development of modern cities. At this point, the experience of the past may be extrapolated on the criticism of modern cities by Jacobs.
Thus, on the ground of the analysis of both writers, it is possible to develop long-run plans of the urban development.