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The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity
ISSN : -     EISSN : 30254000     DOI : -
The Journal of City promotes Branding and Authenticity explores and explains the two related but distinct practices named in its title. City branding applies brand strategy and related techniques to advance the economic, social, political and cultural development of cities, regions and countries. City authenticity describes the unpacks the odd connection between digital media and derelict buildings, the consequences of how we think about industry and place, and the political processes that have enabled a new paradigm in urban planning. The accomplishments and failures of nations, regions, and cities in their pursuit of reputation management and external audience influence have been documented and analysed in a disjointed manner across many disciplines. Branding and Authenticity brings together the essential ideas to give a single comprehensive, cohesive forum for discussing all aspects of the topic. This authoritative publication includes peer-reviewed papers, news, discussions, interviews, literature reviews, case studies, and special features in addition to peer-reviewed articles. The Journal of City focuses on Branding and Authenticity is a worldwide publication that invites practitioners, researchers, students, consultants, government professionals, and the general public to debate contemporary topics and exchange best practices.
Articles 37 Documents
Measuring the success of urban renewal through residents’ lived experiences: A participatory assessment of community well-being, economic opportunity, and historical identity Rahmayati, Yenny; Alkharashi , Norah
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 1: (July) 2025
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i1.2025.1950

Abstract

Background: Medina Al-Munawara, Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest holy cities for Muslims prominent for its historical significance as the site of the twelfth Islamic battle. The city had faced challenges of poor building quality and urban planning, prompting Governor Prince Faisal bin Salman to initiate a transformative project to enhance living conditions. Focusing on Hamra’a Al-Assad neighborhood, this research examines the urban improvement project under that initiative. Unlike most common urban improvement research that mostly focuses on design aspects, this study uniquely prioritizes residents' perceptions to comprehensively assess the success of the project. Methods: A quantitative research approach, employing a semi-structured online questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions, delves into aspects such as daily life impact, community empowerment, economic opportunities, historical awareness, and overall satisfaction. Targeting Hamra’a Al-Assad residents, the primary users of the neighborhood, the study surpassed expectations with 102 collected responses, facilitated by collaboration with local authorities for widespread outreach. The collected data undergoes careful analysis using patterns and connections, empowering residents and providing valuable insights for decision-making in current and future urban redevelopment projects in Medina Al-Munawara. Findings: The study showed that 38.5% of residents felt safer and 50% noted increased property values, but only 28.4% saw better economic opportunities, 35.5% felt stronger community ties, 45% perceived a positive cultural impact, and just 28.4% participated in planning, revealing key gaps in engagement and inclusivity. Conclusion: This research emphasizes residents' perspectives and informs practical decisions that prioritize community well-being and inclusiveness in urban redevelopment. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its emphasis on a resident-centric framework for evaluating urban redevelopment in a culturally and historically significant city, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature that often overlooks the socio-cultural dimensions of urban renewal in Islamic contexts.
Social dynamics and spatial design: A behavioral architecture study of adolescent gathering patterns Khaerunisa, Silviana
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 1: (July) 2025
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i1.2025.2124

Abstract

Background: City parks are important social spaces, especially for teenagers, but the design of public open spaces often does not take behavioral aspects into account. Previous studies have focused more on the physical function of open spaces than on user behavior. This paper analyze the influence of layout and design elements (paths, seating, trees, lighting) on the social interaction patterns of adolescents. Methods: Behaviorist case study (Yin), non-participatory observation, behavior mapping, and in-depth interviews. Findings: The study found that Indonesia Kaya Parks a functions as an inclusive third place for adolescents, where spatial elements like flexible seating, shaded vegetation, and warm lighting significantly enhance the frequency and quality of informal social interactions. It was found that zones with warm lighting, dense vegetation, and flexible seating became centers of social interaction. Conclusion: The spatial configuration and micro-design elements of Indonesia Kaya Parks effectively accommodate adolescents’ behavioral needs, confirming its role as a socially responsive urban park. Novelty/Originality of this article: This research uniquely combines quantitative data with spatial-perceptual mapping to reveal how adolescents navigate and emotionally respond to varying degrees of spatial enclosure in public parks—an approach rarely applied in behavioral architecture studies.
Experiential authenticity and spatial psychology: A Human-centered reading of the Jewish Museum Berlin Htoo, Shwun Thwet
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 1: (July) 2025
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i1.2025.2150

Abstract

Background: The Jewish Museum Berlin, designed by Daniel Libeskind, exemplifies a shift in contemporary museum architecture, where spatial design becomes a narrative tool to address cultural trauma and shape collective memory. As cities increasingly compete on cultural identity, architecture plays a growing role in city branding and emotional engagement. Methods: This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative interpretive analysis with quantitative survey data. Thematic coding using NVivo was applied to open-ended visitor responses, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze Likert-scale responses from 100 participants. Findings: Architectural features such as voids, fragmented pathways, and disorienting circulation elicit strong emotional engagement and embodied memory. These spatial experiences enhance the perceived authenticity of the museum and reinforce Berlin’s identity as a city of remembrance. Visitors rated the museum highly for emotional authenticity (M=4.29, SD=1.25; 71% agreement). Perceived authenticity strongly correlated with emotional engagement (r = 0.65, p <0.01) and with Berlin’s identity as a city of remembrance (r=0.71, p <0.01). High mean scores for embodied experience (up to M=4.46; 94% agreement) indicate that voids, tilted floors, and immersive acoustics evoke disorientation, reflection, and sensory resonance. NVivo coding reinforced these quantitative trends, revealing recurring themes of emotional immersion, embodied memory, authenticity, and urban identity reflection. Conclusion: Spatial and sensory design in the Jewish Museum Berlin contributes to emotionally authentic experiences that align with and strengthen Berlin’s urban identity and cultural narrative. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study contributes a human-centered analysis of how trauma-informed architecture can produce experiential authenticity and support city branding. By combining emotional psychology, spatial design theory, and urban identity, the paper offers a new interdisciplinary lens on affective architecture.
Cultural symbolism and architectural identity: The Bund Finance Center’s role in shaping Shanghai’s urban legacy and contemporary cultural landscape Kyaw, Khin Thiri
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 2: (January) 2026
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i2.2026.2185

Abstract

Background: The Bund Finance Center (BFC) in Shanghai exemplifies how contemporary architecture can convey cultural depth while advancing modern urban identity. Designed by Heatherwick Studio and Foster + Partners, the BFC blends kinetic form, traditional materials, and symbolic spatial arrangements to reflect both Shanghai’s heritage and its global aspirations. This study investigates the role of BFC in shaping Shanghai’s architectural identity and cultural narrative by analyzing its spatial symbolism, public perception, and branding influence. Methods: Using a qualitative case study approach, the research draws on visual analysis, design documents, expert literature, and thematic coding of public and professional survey responses. Key features such as the rotating bronze façade, courtyard-like ground plane, and use of stone were widely interpreted as modern expressions of Chinese cultural forms. These design choices position the BFC as both a landmark of innovation and a medium for cultural storytelling. Findings: The findings show that the BFC elicits strong emotional responses; particularly pride and belonging and contributes significantly to Shanghai’s urban branding and civic identity. Its hybrid design reflects a broader movement in urban architecture that seeks to balance tradition with global design narratives. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that the BFC is not only a functional urban space, but also a symbolic bridge between Shanghai’s historical memory and its contemporary ambition. It offers a replicable framework for evaluating culturally embedded design in global cities. Conclusion: This study concludes that the Bund Finance Center functions as an authentic city-branding instrument by reinterpreting cultural heritage through innovative architecture that evokes emotional engagement, reinforces place identity, and strengthens Shanghai’s global urban reputation. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article offers originality by presenting an interdisciplinary framework that positions culturally embedded contemporary architecture as a strategic instrument of city branding, demonstrating how the Bund Finance Center translates architectural symbolism into urban authenticity, emotional attachment, and global brand identity in a competitive city branding context.
Public transport accessibility and efficiency as determinants of urban image: A comparative study of Japanese and Nigerian Cities Sani, Sani Inuwa; Koestoer, Raldi Hendro Seputro; Adam, Abubakar Hassan; Umar, Aliyu Aminu; Yau, Hafsat Sani; Hassan, Mubarak Ahmad
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 2: (January) 2026
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i2.2026.2395

Abstract

Background: Public transport is a defining feature of urban identity and city authenticity, shaping how cities function and are perceived globally. This study compares the accessibility and efficiency of public transportation in selected Japanese and Nigerian cities from 2021 to 2025 to understand how mobility systems contribute to city branding and livability. Japan’s transport network is celebrated for punctuality, integration, and environmental awareness, while Nigeria’s is constrained by congestion, poor infrastructure, and heavy reliance on informal systems. Examining these differences reveals how transport systems influence both functional mobility and the symbolic authenticity of urban spaces. Methods: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis were conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Literature was retrieved from the Scopus database using structured keywords related to urban transport, accessibility, and efficiency. A total of 1,088 records were screened, with 32 peer-reviewed studies meeting inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using R (v4.4.2) and the Bibliometrix package in RStudio to produce thematic maps, co-occurrence networks, and trend analyses that reveal major research themes and geographic emphases. Findings: Results show that “urban transportation,” “accessibility,” and “sustainability” dominate research discourse. Japanese studies emphasize innovation, multimodal integration, and environmental efficiency, strengthening city authenticity and competitiveness. Nigerian studies highlight infrastructure gaps, congestion, and socioeconomic inequality in access, though emerging reforms and public–private initiatives show gradual progress. Conclusion: Efficient and accessible transport systems enhance city authenticity and livability while reinforcing urban branding. Lessons from Japan’s integrated mobility governance can inform sustainable transport strategies in developing cities like Nigeria. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study is the first comparative bibliometric review linking public transport accessibility and efficiency to city branding and authenticity, integrating systematic review methods with bibliometric visualization to advance the discourse on sustainable urban identity.
Exploring vernacular typography in the development of modern visual identity systems Fahmi, Hamim Najib; Adi, Gianjar Wasito; Isnaini, Ainun Aulia
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 2: (January) 2026
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i2.2026.2519

Abstract

Background: This study examines how vernacular typography type forms rooted in local cultural, historical, and socio-visual traditions can be integrated into modern visual identity systems to create distinctive, culturally grounded brands. While contemporary identity design trends often prioritize minimalism and globalized aesthetics, recent research indicates a growing demand for culturally specific visual identities capable of fostering authenticity and emotional resonance among audiences. This paper investigates the visual, semiotic, and functional characteristics of vernacular typography found in Indonesian street signage, hand-painted lettering, traditional scripts, and local typographic artifacts. Methods: The study employs systematic photographic documentation of vernacular typography from diverse public environments, capturing the expressive, culturally embedded letterforms created by self-taught artisans. These artifacts are analyzed through visual semiotics, typographic structural analysis, and comparative identity evaluation to translate culturally authentic features into viable modern place branding and visual identity systems. Findings: The findings reveal that vernacular typographic features such as stroke modulation, spatial rhythm, ornamentation, and culturally embedded symbolisms can enhance brand distinctiveness when selectively adapted and standardized. Conclusion: This study proposes a design framework for integrating vernacular typographic cues into corporate and cultural branding practices, contributing to both the preservation of local visual heritage and the innovation of contemporary identity design. Novelty/Originality of this article: This article offers an original contribution by proposing a systematic design framework that translates vernacular typographic characteristics into scalable modern identity systems, positioning local visual heritage as a strategic resource for authentic and distinctive branding.
Yogyakarta culture technology (Yogyakarta–cultech): Utilizing user-friendly gamification-based platforms to revitalize Yogyakarta's culture in enhancing digital literacy and achieving SDG 11 Rauf, Afan Rico Al
The Journal of City: Branding and Authenticity Vol. 3 No. 2: (January) 2026
Publisher : Institute for Advanced Science Social, and Sustainable Future

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61511/jcbau.v3i2.2026.2690

Abstract

Background: The development of digital technology provides great opportunities for the preservation and revitalization of local culture, but on the other hand, it also presents challenges in the form of declining interest among the younger generation in regional culture and low digital literacy rooted in local wisdom values. Amidst the tide of globalization and the dominance of popular digital culture, Yogyakarta culture risks being marginalized if it is not adapted to a medium that is relevant to the character of the current generation. To address these issues, an innovation called Yogyakarta Culture Technology (Yogyakarta-Cultech) was developed. This innovation was developed through a digital platform development approach using a system design method based on literature review, user needs analysis, and the use of gamification concepts. Methods: This study adopts a qualitative descriptive development approach to examine the use of a gamification-based digital platform as a strategy for cultural revitalization and the strengthening of city branding authenticity. Data were collected through literature review, needs analysis, and expert validation, and analyzed using thematic qualitative techniques grounded in cultural revitalization, digital literacy, and place branding perspectives. Findings: Yogyakarta-Cultech is a user-friendly and interactive cultural learning platform that integrates gamification elements to increase the participation and interest of the younger generation in Yogyakarta's culture. This platform has main features such as Explore Culture Map, Quiz Time, and Friend Challenge, which encourage exploration and active user engagement. Conclusion: Yogyakarta-Cultech aims not only to revitalize Yogyakarta's culture in the digital space, but also to improve the community's digital literacy in a contextual and sustainable manner. Novelty/Originality of this article: This innovation is expected to contribute to supporting the preservation of local culture, strengthening cultural identity, and achieving Indonesia's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly target 11, which is sustainable cities and communities.

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