Identity is defined as the characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is. It is an aggregation of the values, morals, and beliefs held by an entity. This includes not only what something is, but how it views itself and is viewed by the world around it. Encompassing the physical, cultural, and social dynamics of an area, the identity of a city is what makes it "unique and distinctive." Furthermore, the identity of a city provides “harmony between ‘constant’ and ‘changing’ elements.” (Kevin Lynch, Image of the City (Cambridge: MIT Press, 1960)) In a time of urban regeneration and rapid change, it is the concept that bridges new and old to maintain a holistic sense of place, allowing people to connect to both their surroundings and communities on an emotional level as well as physical. 

In Wichita, city identity is tied closely to an agricultural economy and a history of entrepreneurship. However, this has withered over the past decades primarily due to the sweeping autocentricity of the city. Attempting to combat the communal disconnect this has caused, The Forum seeks to revitalize Wichitan identity by interweaving surrounding landmarks to create walkable, social spaces refocused on human experience. Addressing the physical, cultural, and social aspects of identity, it seeks to reconnect both people and community landmarks in addition to re-establishing a definitive sense of place.