3.2.2.1 The nature and importance of places

Location

Physical point where a place is

Place

A location which has different meanings to different people

Locales

Locations in a place associated with everyday activities. They structure social interactions as people conform to social stereotypes

Example of a locale

A school

Sense of place

Subjective emotional attachment to a place

Placelessness

A place is not unique and leads to clone towns

What does a place influence

Identity, sense of belonging and well being

Attachment

Feeling binding a person with a place. Intensity x number of experiences = Greater depth of attachment

The love of a place with a strong attachment

Topophilia

The dislike of a place with a strong attachment

Topophobia

Near places

Places that are ‘close’ but is subjective

Far places

Distant places that are emotional and subjective

Media places

Not visited but learnt through media representations. Can subconsciously change perspective and sense of place

Experienced places

A place visited which creates an emotional attachment. The desire to visit a place creates attachment

Genius loci

Unique spirit or atmosphere of a place

Place character

Qualities, attributes or features making it unique

Endogenous factors definition

Originate from within the place and are local

Endogenous factors examples

Land use, Topography, Physical geography, Infrastructure, Demographics, Built environment, Economic characteristics, Location

Land use endogenous

Affects what can take place and thus how people feel. For example, green spaces mean leisure

Topography endogenous

Physical shape and elevation change how a place is experienced. For example, steep hills are distinctive and create identity

Physical geography endogenous

Natural elements shape attachment and identity. For example, rivers bring tranquility and fishermen

Infrastructure endogenous

Affects accessibility, connectedness and experience. For example, transport links bring pride

Demographic characteristics endogenous

Shapes cultural and social feel

Built environment endogenous

Visual identity and influence ‘historic’ or ‘modern’ nature of a place

Economic characteristics endogenous

Shapes pride, opportunity and social wellbeing. For example, prosperous areas being security

Location endogenous

Physical point where a place is. For example, high elevation brings community

Exogenous factors definition

Originate from outside a place and builds a relationship with other places

Exogenous factors examples

People, Money, Resources, Ideas

Insiders

Feel at home in a place and experience a sense of belonging

Characteristics of an insider

Feel safe, understand local norms, socially accepted

Outsiders

Feel a lack of belonging or excluded

Typical characteristics on an outsider

Alienated, little power, misunderstand local norms

How insiders/outsiders are constructed

Identity, media representation, social exclusion

How can insiders become outsiders

Gentrification, ageing population, regeneration brining new social groups

Factors affecting perception

Age, gender, ethnicity, personal experience, media

Age affecting perception

Young people see a city as vibrant and exciting, families see parksas safe during the day but unsafe at night

Gender affecting perception

Women see public spaces as risky due to harassment, gendered fear of crime

Ethnicity affecting perception

Migrants feel ‘othered’, ethnic enclaves

Personal experience affecting perception

Trauma, nostalgia, routine patterns

Media affecting perception

News coverage of crimes, Music, TV

Why does place remaking occur

Decline of industries, Develop tourism, Desire to attract investment, Heal reputation

Key actors in place remaking

Councils, Urban planners, Private developers (different priotiries)

Techniques for place remaking

Art installations, Flagship developments, Cultural events, Heritage tourism

Negatives of place remaking

Gentrification, loss of orignial charceter

Why places matter

Identity, social and cultural life, economic opportunities, psychological attachments