Jane Jacobs reloaded: A contemporary operationalization of urban vitality in a district in Barcelona

The theories of Jane Jacobs have gained momentum as a framework to address the challenges faced by presentday cities. Of special relevance is the concept of urban vitality as an indicator of street vibrancy and quality of life among city residents. This study aims to revisit her principles from an applied perspective by developing an updated index that measures the conditions for urban vitality as described in her most celebrated book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), and by also incorporating contemporary contributions made by recent literature on the topic. We develop a composite measure of 22 variables of the built and social environment, and we test it in the urban context of a peripherical and low-income district in Barcelona (Spain). Results show that urban vitality can be found in a wide variety of urban spaces such as compact fabrics and even housing projects, only when population density is combined with physical features that promote intense and diverse human activity. The methodological tool developed in this paper is intended to serve as a basis for future research as well as to guide public policies that aim to address some of the key challenges of contemporary urban agenda.

Automated summary

This study revisits the principles of Jane Jacobs and develops an updated index to measure urban vitality in a low-income district in Barcelona. The results show that urban vitality can be found in a variety of urban spaces when certain conditions are met, highlighting the importance of human activity and density. The methodological tool developed in this study can serve as a basis for future research and guide public policies addressing contemporary urban challenges.