The Most Famous Urban Planner, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the urban planner you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 07:15

Urban planning shapes the cities we live in, influencing everything from traffic flow to park placements. A great urban planner can transform an inefficient city into a well-organized hub that nurtures the well-being of its residents. Recognizing those who excel in this field highlights important contributions and inspires current and future generations. On this webpage, users like yourself actively participate in ranking notable figures in urban planning based on their impact and innovation. Your votes help in assembling a dynamic list that reflects collective appreciation and judgment of these professionals' work. This active engagement ensures that the list is reflective of public opinion and constantly updated with fresh perspectives.

Who Is the Most Famous Urban Planner?

1

61
votes
Phil Stanziola · Public domain

Jane Jacobs

She is widely regarded as one of the most influential urban planners of the 20th century, and her ideas on urban renewal and community development have been instrumental in shaping modern urban planning. Her most famous book, "The Death and Life of Great American Cities," is considered a classic in the field.
Jane Jacobs in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous social worker
2

46
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Daniel Burnham

He was an American architect and urban planner who is best known for his work on the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and his Plan of Chicago, which laid out a comprehensive vision for the city's development.
3

26
votes

The original uploader was Marnanel at English Wikipedia. · Public domain

Ebenezer Howard

He was a British urban planner who is best known for his concept of the Garden City, which aimed to create self-contained communities that were both urban and rural in character. His ideas have had a lasting impact on urban planning around the world.
4

18
votes

C.M. Stieglitz, World Telegram staff photographer · Public domain

Robert Moses

He was a controversial figure in urban planning who is best known for his large-scale public works projects in New York City, including the construction of highways, bridges, and parks. His approach to urban development was often criticized for its lack of community input and its negative impact on minority neighborhoods.
5

18
votes

Gene Driskell, Atlanta, GA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Jan Gehl

He is a Danish architect and urban planner who has been influential in promoting the concept of "livable cities," which prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists over cars. His ideas have been implemented in cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Melbourne, and New York.
6

11
votes

William H. Whyte

He was an American urbanist who is best known for his research on the social dynamics of public spaces, which he documented in his book "The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces." His work has been influential in shaping public space design and management.
7

14
votes

Pierre Charles L'Enfant

He was a French-born American architect and urban planner who is best known for his design of the layout of Washington, D.C., which included the famous National Mall and the Capitol building. His work has had a lasting impact on the development of the city.
8

11
votes

Kevin Lynch

He was an American urban planner and author who is best known for his book "The Image of the City," which introduced the concept of mental maps and the importance of visual perception in urban design. His ideas have been influential in shaping the field of urban planning.
9

6
votes
Joop van Bilsen for Anefo · CC0

Le Corbusier

He was a Swiss-French architect and urban planner who is best known for his ideas on modern architecture and urbanism, which emphasized functionalism, rationality, and efficiency. His work has had a significant impact on the development of modern cities around the world.
Le Corbusier in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Switzerland
10

8
votes

itdp · CC BY 2.0

Janette Sadik-Khan

She is an American urban planner who is best known for her work as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, where she implemented a number of innovative transportation and public space projects, including the creation of bike lanes and pedestrian plazas. Her approach to urban planning has been influential in cities around the world.

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Ranking factors for famous urban planner

Contribution and Impact

Consider the individual's significant contributions to the field of urban planning and the impact of their work on cities and communities. This could include groundbreaking ideas, influential theories or concepts, or successful implementation of innovative planning strategies.
Reputation and Recognition

Evaluate their reputation among peers, experts, and the general public. Consider whether they have received prestigious awards, accolades, or recognition for their work. Their influence within the urban planning community can also be a determining factor.
Influence on Policy and Practice

Examine the individual's influence on urban planning policies and practices. Have their ideas been widely adopted or implemented in various cities or regions? Have they played a role in shaping urban planning policies at a national or international level?
Publications and Research

Assess the individual's contribution to the field through their publications and research. Have they authored influential books, articles, or academic papers? Have they made significant contributions to urban planning literature or advanced knowledge in the field?
Legacy and Timelessness

Consider the lasting impact of their work and whether their ideas and concepts continue to shape urban planning practices today. Their ability to remain relevant and influential for a significant period of time can contribute to their overall fame.
Public Perception and Popularity

Account for the individual's recognition among the general public, media coverage, and public perception. This could include factors such as media appearances, public speaking engagements, or their ability to engage and educate the public about urban planning issues.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous urban planner. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Urban planner is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2340 views
214 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Urban planner once every 24 hours. The rank of each Urban planner is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous urban planner

Urban planning is a field that has gained significant importance in recent years, especially as cities continue to grow and evolve. It involves the design and management of urban spaces, with a focus on creating sustainable, livable, and functional environments for residents. Many influential figures have emerged in the field of urban planning, but who is the most famous? From the visionary ideas of Ebenezer Howard to the innovative designs of Jane Jacobs, there are many names that come to mind. In this article, we'll explore the lives and works of some of the most influential urban planners in history, and try to determine who deserves the title of "most famous".