Visualizing Mental Maps of San Francisco
We found that people tended to conceptualize San Francisco in terms of “main drags” and “mini cities” – commercial corridors that attract people – contrasted with “mini suburbs” – primarily residential centers that are often perceived by people who don’t live in those neighborhoods as “boring” places where “there’s nothing really there.” The balance between vibrant and inviting corridors and seemingly monotonous residential areas results in some areas of the city being described as more exciting than others.
