The images of territory in the perception of its residents (for example of Academgorodok)

Abstract

Sociology of the city has come a long way in the study of the urban environment. It is focusing its attention on various aspects of life because the city is no longer just a place of life of its citizens. In this study, we will focus on the territory of the Akademgorodok owned the Novosibirsk, and try to identify the generated image of the territory among its inhabitants. Thus, we understand how representations of the territory may differ and contact between its inhabitants. Fragmented image of territory may lead to a reduction of territorial identity, the decline of culture within the territory and the whole city, reduce the inflow of investment capital and other undesirable consequences. It is thus important to explore and understand the image of the territory, and, subsequently, to identify gaps that need to be improved, and the positive effects that should be supported. Perception of the territory considered in terms of the emotional aspect, which is manifested through the territorial identity of the residents and through the pragmatic aspect, is manifested through the territorial interests of the inhabitants of Akademgorodok. We have identified the main types of images in the perception of the territory based on the analysis of collected interviews. We also describe the constituent elements the image of territory by analyzing mental maps of Akademgorodok.