Kevin Lynch Memorial Lecture

Kevin Lynch is known for his pioneering work on mental mapping, and the perception of the built environment, including the seminal publication 'The Image of the City where he wrote about paths, edges, districts, nodes and landmarks'.

We are delighted to announce that this year’s lecture will be given by the neuroscientist Professor Kate Jeffery, one of the world’s foremost experts on how mammals navigate, and develop their own mental maps. Her research shows how our brains enable our sense of place and sense of direction, and the sorts of environments that get us confused or lost.

Anyone involved in urban design, highways, planning, architecture, or the public realm will find this lecture of great practical value to their work. You will be able to understand why certain environments – such as the sinuous street layouts created by the DB32 design guidance cause people to become lost; why landmarks are so important, and why delegates at this year’s National Urban Design Conference had difficulties navigating Birmingham New Street station.

Learn how to design easy to navigate streets and neighbourhoods. Learn what to avoid – not just on the basis of a hunch, but on the basis of a solid understanding of the research.