Cognitive performances of pedestrian spaces

Abstract

If the city and its physical structure are understood as some kind of an extended, external memory of the human mind, two aspects are observable. The first relates to the characteristics of the city and its places to help in the orientation and way finding of its citizens and visitors. They could be explored through mental or cognitive maps. The second aspect includes the elements involved in generating the image and identity of the city. Looking at the pedestrian space as an environment that achieves the most intimate relationship of users and the city, the paper would present the elements that can be seen as cognitive performances of pedestrian spaces. They will be analysed at the area of the City of Belgrade, central pedestrian network with the aim to identify existing and to propose future of the proposals elements that will contribute to its extension and intensive use.