Inhabitants’ Cognitive Maps Represent Ethnic-Based Variations in Learning and Recalling London

This research aimed to investigate the cognitive maps of inhabitants of London (UK) to understand the possible associations between ethnic backgrounds and learning and navigating cities. This study recruited 101participants who lived for a minimum of 2 years in London to draw a map of London and complete a questionnaire. The participants were from the main ethnic groups including White British, European, Chinese, Persians, Asians and Africans. About 60% of participants were male and 40% female with the average age of 33.38 and S.D. OF 10.63. Legibility items of Kevin Lynch (landmarks, roads, districts, and limits), completeness of maps, maps scales, two-dimensional or three-dimensional views of the city, city’s boundary, the River Thames and the number of colours they used were the main factors that were analysed in their maps. Quantitative (SPSS for maps and questionnaires) and qualitative methods (map-sorting and interview with another 5 card sorters) were applied. Findings illustrated positive associations between all factors with cultural differences except the landmarks. The only factor that was not affected by ethnic background was landmark. 11categories were identified by card-sorters. The mixed-method analysis showed people from different ethnic backgrounds understand, learn and recall cities differently in each category; for example, Chinese saw the world more colourful and visual and their attitudes were reflected in their maps. Urban designers should consider these differences to ensure multicultural and global cities are accessible to all people with different cognitive and map learning abilities to learn and recall their city and to navigate it easily.