Social legibility in disputed territories: an observational study of North Nicosia

Purpose Designers typically emphasize physical elements in city planning, yet legibility based on non-physical criteria is equally crucial. This study focuses on the social dimensions of urban legibility in North Nicosia, a city marked by its complex socio-political landscape. The main objective is to explore how residents navigate and interpret their urban environment beyond physical cues. The study questions whether social sciences, alongside urban planning, can contribute to creating a more legible city. This interdisciplinary approach reveals that social factors, like collective intelligence and community identity, are integral in shaping urban legibility, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Design/methodology/approach This research employs an inductive reasoning method, beginning with observations of low legibility in North Nicosia, identifying patterns and forming general conclusions. The methodology involved content analysis of literature, focusing on “wayfinding” and “urban legibility,” which led to categorizing themes into physical and social legibility. Morphological analysis assessed the physical environment, dividing the city into 27 sections, while social legibility was evaluated through unobtrusive observation of locals. Cluster sampling selected 50 participants based on neighborhoods and occupations. Despite potential biases, including observer influence, consultation with local experts enhanced validity. The study highlights legibility’s role in fostering a deeper understanding of urban environments. Findings North Nicosia, the northern half of the last divided capital, struggles with poor physical legibility, characterized by irregular street patterns, large undeveloped areas and a lack of clear landmarks. Despite this, locals demonstrate effective wayfinding through social legibility. Over three months, observations revealed that residents rely on historical names, significant events and social networks to navigate. This study highlights how citizens compensate for inadequate physical cues by leveraging social cohesion, cultural memory and local knowledge. The findings emphasize the importance of social legibility in conflicted urban contexts, offering insights for enhancing urban design to better reflect social dynamics and community needs. Originality/value This study explores the concept of legibility in urban contexts, focusing on physical and social aspects. Physical legibility involves the clarity and coherence of spatial elements, enhancing navigation and wayfinding. It emphasizes imageability and morphological structures that shape urban perception. Social legibility, in contrast, addresses how underrepresented communities navigate visibility within contested territories, influenced by social identity, diaspora dynamics and group cohesion. The research highlights how social legibility intertwines with history, culture and identity, impacting social integration and belonging. By examining both physical and social dimensions, the study aims to develop inclusive criteria for understanding legibility in urban environments.