A Methodological Approach to Re-Image the City the Case of Galle City, Sri Lanka

Abstract

‘City Re-imaging’ is a method applied in re-establishing cities’ image by assessing diverse city impressions of the users of cities. Empirical work on ‘City Re-imaging’ is lacking, particularly in the Asian context. Also, city imaging methods thus far have given more emphasis on evaluating the physical elements of a city overlooking the importance of city impressions of the users of cities. Focusing on this gap, this research applies a methodological approach to re-establish the image of Galle city in Sri Lanka by assessing the city impressions of its users. Photo Collage Technique and Web-based Photo Identification were used as data collection methods in the study and the collected date were analysed through both qualitative and quantitative approaches to re-image the Galle City. The study demonstrates key factors that influence city impression and their interrelationship through a newly developed framework. The most recognizable elements in city impression and evaluation level of city impressions in its atmosphere also identified in this study. These findings can lead planners and urban designers to better understand cities and their image.