During urban design, which element identifies unique features within the layout?

In urban design, landmarks are critical elements that serve to identify and establish unique features within a layout. They are often prominent structures or distinctive natural features that stand out in the urban environment and provide a sense of orientation and identity. Landmarks can be buildings, monuments, parks, or other significant features that people can reference when navigating the area.

The presence of landmarks aids in the cognitive mapping of a city, allowing residents and visitors to easily remember and describe locations. They act as focal points, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the environment while also contributing to a community's character and sense of place.

Other elements such as nodes, districts, and edges play important roles in urban design but serve different functions. Nodes are typically intersections or gathering points that facilitate movement, districts define areas with shared characteristics, and edges mark the boundaries between different environments or districts. However, none of these elements directly encapsulate the concept of unique features as vividly as landmarks do.