The effect of architectural landmarks on a skyline and the mental images of the cities of ancient civilizations

Abstract

By tracking the history of architecture, one can observe the impact of the presence of vertical landmarks inside the urban cores of cities, their precise influence on the skyline of these cities and townscapes, as well as their strong presence in the mental images of people of different cultures and in different periods. Since landmarks, are classified as one of the components of mental images, they have attained an intensive focus in previous literature. Yet, very limited research has addressed the role and impact of vertical architectural landmarks in cities of the ancient world civilizations. Main cities and capitals of ancient civilizations - including Mesopotamian Civilization, Nile Civilization, Greek Civilization, and Rome Civilization - have significant and prominent vertical landmarks that constitute memorable symbols that characterize these cities, and have an ever-lasting effect on their inhabitants and visitors. The lack of knowledge concerning the impact of vertical landmarks on the ancient cities' skylines, their functions and locations, as well as their impact on people and the mental images they evoke, constitutes the main research problem. The research aims to develop a comprehensive framework concerning the vertical landmarks in selected cities of ancient civilizations, including a comparative study of their physical and spiritual attributes, as well as their impact on the cities' skylines and the mental images of their occupants. Furthermore, the research aims to address other relevant urban aspects (environment, sustainability, and territory) in relation to the vertical architectural landmarks. The research has concluded that the nature, location, height, and value of vertical architectural landmarks have a great influence on the urban configurations of the city and the society's mental images.