Stimulating architects’ mental imagery reaching innovation: Lessons from urban history in using analogies and metaphors

Abstract

This review article explores how metaphors and analogies used throughout urban history can simulate mental imagery to inspire innovation. The study addresses three critical questions using qualitative literature review methods like text data mining and content analysis. The results yielded from the first question showed a link between mental imagery and architectural discourse. The second question yielded the crucial role of metaphor and analogy as literary devices that can enhance mental imagery. The answer to the third question yielded five procedures of how literary devices foster innovation. The discussion found a complex interplay between recalling mental imagery and imagination and using metaphors and analogies. While recognizing their effectiveness in inspiring innovative ideas, the review cautions against oversimplification and cultural biases. The review of literature offers a nuanced understanding of their theoretical and practical foundations, shedding light on their role in shaping architectural mental imagery within urban history narratives.