The Influence of Visual Perception on Navigation and City Image: A Landmark Study in Pekanbaru

  • Fitriany Fitriany Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
  • AlBusyra Fuadi Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
  • Jonny Wongso Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
  • Artian Ferry Marison Bung Hatta University, Jl. Sumatera Ulak Karang, Padang, Indonesia
  • Dadang Puja Kusumah Bung Hatta University, Jl. Sumatera Ulak Karang, Padang, Indonesia

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of public visual perception on urban navigation and city image through the role of landmarks in Pekanbaru. The background stems from the declining visual legibility of the city due to rapid spatial development and architectural homogenization. Five main landmarks were examined: An-Nur Grand Mosque, Zapin Monument, Soeman HS Library, the Riau Governor’s Office, and Idrus Tintin Art Pavilion. A mixed-method approach was applied using questionnaires from 105 respondents, field observations, and Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis. The results indicate that An-Nur Grand Mosque and Soeman HS Library function as the city’s visual-affective anchors with high legibility and civic pride. Zapin Monument serves as a directional marker with strong cultural symbolism, while the Governor’s Office is visually dominant but weak in collective identity. Idrus Tintin Art Pavilion represents cultural symbolism but plays a limited navigational role. The study concludes that Pekanbaru’s city image emerges from the interaction of architectural quality, navigational function, and symbolic-emotional values, recommending enhanced visibility, integrated wayfinding systems, and cultural revitalization in urban planning.

Author Biographies

Fitriany Fitriany, Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
Mahasiswa Magister Arsitektur Fakultas Teknik Sipil & Perencanaan Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
AlBusyra Fuadi, Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
Dosen Magister Arsitektur Fakultas Teknik Sipil Dan Perencanaan Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
Jonny Wongso, Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
Dosen Magister Arsitektur Fakultas Teknik Sipil Dan Perencanaan Universitas Bung Hatta, Padang
Artian Ferry Marison, Bung Hatta University, Jl. Sumatera Ulak Karang, Padang, Indonesia
Graduate with a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning
Dadang Puja Kusumah, Bung Hatta University, Jl. Sumatera Ulak Karang, Padang, Indonesia
Graduate with a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Planning

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Published
2025-11-28
How to Cite
FITRIANY, Fitriany et al. The Influence of Visual Perception on Navigation and City Image: A Landmark Study in Pekanbaru. SIGMA TEKNIKA, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 2, p. 432-441, nov. 2025. ISSN 2599-0616. Available at: <https://journal.unrika.ac.id/index.php/sigmateknika/article/view/8378>. Date accessed: 11 feb. 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.33373/sigmateknika.v8i2.8378.

Keywords

Visual Perception, Landmarks, Urban Navigation, City Image, Pekanbaru