Assessing Imageability of Port Cities Through the Visibility of Public Spaces: The Cases of Famagusta and Limassol

Abstract

Characteristics of port cities are significantly different than inland cities since they have a spatial relation with water. Waterfronts, main urban squares, and major streets are specified as the predominant components affecting socio-spatial configurations. The research assumes that the imageability of port cities, which refers to “port city identity” in this research, is associated with the visibility of these key public spaces. The port cities of Famagusta and Limassol—the current major port cities of divided Cyprus—were selected to be evaluated on the specified public spaces to reveal this association. The specified spaces are scrutinized through both the space syntax methodology and land-use and movement patterns in relation to visibility parameters. The results show that Limassol is more successful than Famagusta in terms of imageability, as it presents higher spatial and social visibility of public spaces, which also strengthens its port city identity.

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“…They can recognize places, use landmarks, show points of interest on the map, understand size differences, compare distances, orient themselves and recognize symbols that represent real objects [37]. Studies have shown that children are more familiar with their narrow environment (neighbourhood), and are able to recognize important city attractions [38]. Large-scale maps are of greater interest to pupils and teachers, and can incorporate other subjects into teaching.…”