image of the city (Kevin Lynch)

Kevin Lynch’s concept of the "image of the city" refers to how people mentally perceive and navigate urban environments. It involves the visual impressions and mental maps residents and visitors form based on key elements like landmarks, roads, neighborhoods, and open spaces. These elements create a coherent overall picture, helping people orient themselves and feel connected to the city. Lynch emphasized that well-designed cities include clear, distinct features that make the urban environment understandable and memorable, supporting ease of movement and a sense of place.