1. From first glance, what can you understand about the town/ city?

From first glance, I could see that the Eiffel Tower, though in the background, serves as a strong identity
of the city. Eiffel Tower is the landmark of the City of Love – Paris, where the surrounding buildings and
streets are designed and developed respecting the tower as the centre of attention. The buildings are well
kept with streets lined with trees extending parallel to the tower. The buildings – not a single skyscraper in
sight – gives me the impression that the Paris is a city with heavy influence from their history and the
Parisians’ love for art. The tree-lined streets, which I understand as path, according to Kevin Lynch’s five
images of city, suggests to me that the Parisians love to walk in the city also.

2. Why, from your point of view, this town/ city is special?

In my point of view, this city is special because of the symbol that a single structure – Eiffel Tower – can
bring to the city. As a landmark, Eiffel Tower is almost the equivalent of Paris as a city. The association of
Paris with Eiffel Tower cannot be separated. From an urban planning perspective, this city is special to me
also because of the development control being applied to the city in terms of the height control and façade.
There is no skyscraper in the city despite of its status being the capital of France. The buildings are almost
of the same height. This regulation seems to be well received and followed by the locals and developers.
Not pictured in the image given are other historical monuments and landmarks in Paris which I think are
special because they are well preserved and showcased as an important part of the city, a reminder of their
heritage and culture and an important source of income for the city.

3. List key feature or element of the town/ city.

According to Kevin Lynch’s five key elements or features:

Path: Paris has a well-organised street layout branching out from the city centre. There are also boulevards
serving as circulation and public spaces. The narrower streets are easily walkable and create a sense of
community as the visitors are able be closer to one another.

Edges: Paris is bounded by a ring of boulevards. These boulevards somehow enclose Paris physically and
visually thus serving as the urban boundary of the city’s development.

Districts: Paris has multiple neighbourhoods and districts with their own characteristics. Some of the
notable neighbourhoods are Latin Quarter for its bohemian vibe and intelligence the place exudes;
Montmartre being on hilltop allows visitors to overlook the city and the place creates a sense of separation
from the city centre while having its own historical buildings and green parks.
Nodes: Paris has many squares and parks where people gather for different purposes. For example, Place
de la Concorde is one of the largest public squares in Paris housing the Obelisk of Luxor, serving as a
converging point for the traffic as well as tourism sightseeing.

Landmarks: Paris has multiple landmarks with their own history and cultural significance. These landmarks
are the identity of Paris and often become the orientation for people’s movements and activities. For
example, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe.

4. Choose one of the main featureS or elements of the town, and briefly discuss on its impacts to the
town/city and its citizen.

Comparing between Paris, France and Georgetown, Malaysia

The main feature or element of Paris, France, is Eiffel Tower. The impact of the Eiffel Tower on Paris is
that it has become the icon of Paris. Its citizen enjoy the view of the tower and tend to orient towards it in
their activities. For example, tourism activities where the businesses may benefit if they have a view of the
tower. The streets are aligned to the tower too thus impacting their daily life as they may have view to the
tower while relaxing in a park or a square.

While for Georgetown, Malaysia, the main feature of element is the historical buildings located across the
city. The buildings and facades tell the rich history of the Penang, with whatever was left to preserve. The
history and stories that could be told from the buildings also attract tourists and visitors thus impacting the
citizens to be involved in similar activities as local guides and hospitality service providers.

The main features in both cities tell the history, culture, and story of the place – which eventually invite
visitors who are interested to understand and appreciate the story behind them. With these main features
and attention for them, more conservation and preservation work could be done to protect the identity of
the city. It also creates economic opportunity for the local citizens to thrive from.