Effects of Urban Landmark Landscapes on Residents’ Place Identity: The Moderating Role of Residence Duration

Abstract

Landmark landscapes, as visual representations of cities, are readily identifiable to urban residents. Observing and visiting these landscapes fosters a cultural connection and identity with the locale, enhances urban character, and promotes tourism. A place’s identity is instrumental in urban development and improvement. Urban planners and managers should thus prioritize fostering residents’ place identity within city environments. In this study, we explored the influence of landmark landscapes on the place identity of residents in Nanjing—a rapidly urbanizing city with both historic and modern districts. Our methodology included on-site surveys and the application of a structural equation model to discern the relationships between various landmark landscape elements and place identity. The findings revealed the following: (1) landmark landscapes positively influence residents’ construction of place identity; (2) the characteristics, function, and historical–cultural importance of these landmark landscapes contribute to place identity formation; and (3) the duration of residence moderates the relationship between historical–cultural importance and place identity. These insights elucidate the role of landmark landscapes in shaping place identity, which in turn enhances urban characteristics and bolsters residents’ sense of belonging. The strategic planning and design of landmark landscapes are instrumental in building public consensus, fostering distinctive urban characteristics, and strengthening residents’ sense of identity, thereby catalyzing tourism development.

Kajian teorI keterkaitan setting fisik dan identitas Kota dalam konteks City Branding

“…Elemen landmark memiliki peran penting dalam membentuk identitas suatu tempat, meningkatkan keunikan daerah perkotaan, dan mempromosikan rasa memiliki yang kuat di antara orang-orang (F. Zhang et al, 2024). Dalam konteks identitas lanskap kota, termasuk taman, alun-alun, dan formasi alam yang khas, memiliki tujuan ganda yaitu meningkatkan daya tarik estetika kota dan menyediakan ruang komunal bagi penduduk untuk berkumpul, bercakap-cakap, dan menciptakan kenangan yang abadi.…”

Exploring Non-Linear and Synergistic Effects of Street Environment on the Spirit of Place in Historic Districts: Using Multi-Source Data and XGBoost

“…Public spaces in historical and cultural blocks are complex, merging material and immaterial needs [100], and historic districts carry the spatial characteristics of the spirit of place due to historical evolution and human activities [101]. Because places with historical and cultural factors contribute to local identity formation [66,102], places with a sense of age tend to evoke place attachment [103]. However, the cultural heritage in Chuancheng Street, such as municipal cultural protection units and Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, has not been well-preserved; despite efforts to maintain their original style, their cultural heritage has yet to be completely recovered.…”

“…This indicates a generally poor spiritual perception of place in the Chuancheng Street area, with high-scoring spaces primarily along Zhonghua Avenue and Renmin Road. with historical and cultural factors contribute to local identity formation [66,102], places with a sense of age tend to evoke place attachment [103]. However, the cultural heritage in Chuancheng Street, such as municipal cultural protection units and Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, has not been well-preserved; despite efforts to maintain their original style, their cultural heritage has yet to be completely recovered.…”