Analyzing Lynch's City Imageability in the Digital Age. (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meenar, Mahbubur; Afzalan, Nader; Hajrasouliha, Amir
• Is Part Of: Journal of planning education and research. Volume 42:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 611
• Page End: 623
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: Kevin Lynch -- city imageability -- city elements -- virtual mapping environments -- mental maps; Kevin Lynch -- imagen de la ciudad -- elementos de la ciudad -- entornos de mapeo virtual -- mapas mentales; 凯文·林奇 -- 城市意象性 -- 城市元素 -- 虚拟地图环境 -- 心理地图; Regional planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; City planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1177/0739456X19844573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-456X

Abstract

This paper explores the role of virtual mapping environments in analyzing people's perception of spaces and their implications in planning. We examine how people interpret Kevin Lynch's "city imageability" in the digital age by asking two questions: (1) how can we create mental images of city elements by using virtual versus physical environments? (2) What are the strengths and weaknesses of each method? We studied sixty-eight mental maps—created by thirty-four participants—identifying five factors for disagreements on city elements: scale, eye level, details, accuracy/timeliness, and sensory/movement. We conclude by suggesting how practitioners can take a balanced approach for city imageability analysis.