Authors

Latypova Maria S., Minigalimova Elvira A.
MENTAL REPRESENTATION OF KAZAN CITY IMAGE

Architecton: Proceedings of Higher Education №4 (76) December, 2021

The article discusses methods of city image definition and presents the results of an empirical study on mental representation of Kazan carried out by methods of mental mapping, in-depth interviewing, questionnaires and GIS data analysis. Based on the survey data, the main types of image in the perception of the territory are identified and the boundaries and toponymy of the city’s vernacular districts are described. The key elements of the territory image are studied by means of mental map analysis, and the most significant objects and spaces for residents are examined. The results of the study reveal correlation between the mental perceptions of the territory and the recipients’ real depictions made during the study and the uniqueness of perception of the territory by its inhabitants. The authors conclude that the iconic symbols and spaces that form the image of the city act as anchors for the formation of its local identity and self-identification of the population with the territories.