Semantic similarities between personality, identity, character, and singularity within the context of the city or urban, neighbourhood, and place in urban planning and design

ABSTRACT This study investigated literature-based similarities and differences between four interchangeably used concepts in spatial design and planning disciplines: personality, identity, character, and singularity. The methods used were a narrative literature review of monographs, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses of scholarly papers. The purpose of this study was to provide guidance for planners and designers, and to increase their knowledge of the factors that make cities either similar or distinctive. The findings showed that semantic similarities were not observed between these interchangeable concepts and that commonalities were connected to the urban form and everyday lifestyles. These findings show that urban planning and design must consider these four concepts within the context of city (C) or urban (U), the neighbourhood (N), and the place (P) based on different semantic similarities.