American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

Which influential figure is associated with concepts of urban planning and design related to "imageability"?

1. Jane Jacobs

2. Kevin Lynch

3. Robert Moses

4. Louis Kahn

The correct answer is: Kevin Lynch

Kevin Lynch is the influential figure associated with the concept of "imageability" in urban planning and design. His seminal work, "The Image of the City," published in 1960, explores how urban spaces can be structured to create a strong, memorable sense of place. Imageability refers to the quality of a physical environment that makes it legible or memorable to its users, which Lynch categorizes through elements such as paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks. These categories help planners understand how people perceive and navigate urban spaces, reinforcing the importance of design in enhancing the experience of the city. In contrast, Jane Jacobs is best known for her advocacy of community-based urban planning and critiquing the urban renewal policies of her time, while Robert Moses is recognized for his significant role in shaping infrastructure and transportation but often with a focus that prioritized automobiles over pedestrian experiences. Louis Kahn is a celebrated architect whose work emphasized monumental forms and spatial qualities rather than the broader urban planning principles that Lynch articulated. Thus, the association of "imageability" clearly aligns with Lynch's contributions to the field of urban design.