RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTION ON IMAGE OF THE CITY

Abstract

Urbanization in Asian cities, influenced by Western planning, has led to large, homogeneous structures, creating vulnerability to people. Building inclusive and city with a unique image to solve the problem, is possible by using "People First" participatory planning. A city's image and residents’ behavior are influenced by individual perceptions. This thesis takes a different approach by stressing how locals' perspectives influence how cities look and feel, it places a higher priority on unique city identities to improve urban quality of life. The primary objective of the research is to identify both the tangible and intangible dimension associated with the residents’ perception on image of the city. Lynch's theory aids in understanding tangible aspects, but placemaking and attachment to a place gives the intangible dimensions of the image. With the help of qualitative research techniques; literature reviews and case studies, the paper explores the common identity and priorities of urban residents on sense of place and place attachment. Two methods were used, i) Verbal Method: direct interviews and ii) Visual Method: self-observations and photographs of the identified objects/places to further understand the formation of place attachments. The case area Bhairahawa, in Lumbini Province is a well-known industrial and commercial powerhouse. Its cosmopolitan nature is influenced by the population's diversity, which includes five major castes and others. The study was conducted among respondents and triangulated using Group discussions and KIIs.