Susan S. Fainstein je politická teoretička a výskumníčka v oblasti urbanizmu, ktorá sa zameriava na spravodlivé mesto. Jej práca skúma vplyvy rozvojových stratégií a megaprojektov na distribúciu zdrojov v mestách. Zaoberá sa tiež úlohou demokracie a komunitnej kontroly v miestnych verejných inštitúciách. Fainstein sa snaží vytvoriť morálnu teóriu spravodlivého mesta, ktorá kladie dôraz na rovnosť a sociálnu spravodlivosť.
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.