Lesson Plan

• Describe the key elements that constitute place identity.
• Explain how media, personal experience and economic factors shape perception of place.
• Analyse the interaction between place identity and perception using case‑study examples.
• Evaluate the implications for urban planning and suggest strategies to manage identity and perception.
• Apply the concepts to a local area by identifying its identity elements and perceived image.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides with diagrams and case‑study images
• Handout summarising identity elements and perception factors
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes for group brainstorming
• Laptop for teacher

Begin with a quick “What makes this school unique?” brainstorm to hook students. Link their ideas to the idea that places have both tangible and intangible characteristics. State that today they will explore how those characteristics form a place’s identity and how people’s perceptions can differ, with clear success criteria: define both concepts and apply them to real‑world examples.

1. Do‑now (5') – Students list three features that define their neighbourhood and share briefly.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Define place identity and perception of place; present a flow‑chart of the feedback loop.
3. Guided case‑study analysis (15') – In pairs, examine Shoreditch and Detroit handouts, completing a comparison chart of identity elements vs. perceived image.
4. Whole‑class discussion (10') – Discuss how the feedback loop influences urban change and planning decisions.
5. Creative activity (15') – Groups design a simple branding poster for a local area, choosing identity traits to highlight and a desired perception.
6. Check for understanding (5') – Exit ticket: write one sentence defining place identity, one defining perception, and one planning action to improve perception.

Recap the distinction between intrinsic identity elements and external perceptions, emphasizing their reciprocal influence. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: students photograph three local features and write a brief paragraph describing the place’s identity and how they think outsiders perceive it.