American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which author is known for writing "Image of the City"?

1. Ebenezer Howard

2. Saul Alinsky

3. Kevin Lynch

4. Norman Kumholz

The correct answer is: Kevin Lynch

"Image of the City" is a seminal work authored by Kevin Lynch, published in 1960. In this influential book, Lynch explores how people perceive and navigate urban environments, introducing the concept of "imageability," which refers to the qualities of a city that allow it to be easily understood and remembered. He identifies five key elements of a city's image: paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks, which have become foundational in urban planning and design. Lynch's work emphasizes the importance of design in shaping the experience of city dwellers, impacting how planners conceptualize urban spaces. The other authors mentioned are renowned in their own rights but focus on different areas. Ebenezer Howard is best known for founding the garden city movement, which emphasized the creation of self-sufficient communities surrounded by green belts. Saul Alinsky is recognized for his contributions to community organizing and social justice, rather than urban design. Norman Kumholz has made significant contributions in the field of urban planning, particularly regarding policy and equity, but he is not associated with the specific concepts presented in "Image of the City."