What element is most crucial as a landmark in urban design?

In urban design, large buildings serve as significant landmarks due to their visibility, scale, and distinct architectural characteristics. These structures often dominate the skyline and provide identifiable points of reference within a cityscape. Their mass and height can help orient individuals and create a sense of place, making them integral to the urban experience.

While other elements such as paths, trees, and water bodies contribute to the aesthetic and functional aspects of an urban environment, they do not typically possess the same level of impact in creating iconic landmarks. Paths guide movement through spaces, trees provide greenery and enhance environmental quality, and water bodies add visual and recreational value, but it is the large buildings that usually hold a stronger status as landmark features that are easily recognized and remembered by both locals and visitors.