Identity of the built environment in contemporary cities must be dealt with at two related levels. Firstly, is “architectural identity”, which reflects the process of constructing meaning for the physical setting and expresses continuity, distinction, and recognition elements. Secondly, is “place identity”, which represents the physical environment “data base” that enables the individual to judge the specific physical setting and understand its meaning. It means that architectural identity concerns the production of architecture, while place identity concerns the perception of this product. Consequently, both are complementary in the investigation.
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