THE CONCEPT AND FACTORS OF FORMING URBAN IDENTITY

Abstract

The article examines the concept of urban identity as one of the key elements in forming a unique image of a city and shaping how it is perceived by residents. The main theoretical approaches to defining urban identity in contemporary academic literature are analyzed, and the factors influencing the process of its formation are identified. Particular attention is paid to the role of the architectural and spatial structure of the city, historical and cultural heritage, public spaces, natural features, and social interactions in forming a stable image of the urban environment. It is noted that urban identity is formed through the complex interaction of spatial, cultural, and social components that determine the uniqueness and recognizability of a city. The results of the study make it possible to systematize the main factors of urban identity formation and determine their importance for urban planning processes and the development of the contemporary urban environment.