The image of cities in times of crisis: A case study of two earthquake cities - Christchurch, New Zealand, and Valdivia, Chile

Abstract

Cities’ ‘imageability’ (Lynch, 1960)—their potential to be ‘read’ and remembered—is a vital component of the legibility of urban environments for people and in turn, the manner they navigate and use them. In the context of a post-earthquake situation, a clear comprehension of the built environment becomes a fundamental rather than optional attribute of the city. When safety and survival are the primary concern, then any subtle aspects of the landscape become disposable—they are simply a luxury. With this premise in mind, we explored the image of cities and the significance of wayfinding in the immediate post-earthquake urban system of Valdivia (Chile) and Christchurch (New Zealand).