"The Image of the City" is a seminal work by urban planner Kevin Lynch, published in 1960. It explores how people perceive and navigate urban environments, emphasizing the importance of mental images in understanding cities. Lynch identifies five key elements that shape these images: paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks. Lynch's research involved studying various cities and how their physical features contribute to residents' experiences. He argues that a well-structured city enhances its inhabitants' ability to orient themselves and fosters a sense of belonging. This work has influenced urban design and planning, highlighting the relationship between space and human perception.