GEOG 2 : SENSE OF PLACE IN NEIGHBOURHOODS

How may representations of sense of place enhance or contradict an individual's sense of place ?

Different emotions expressed in the media might enhance or contradict our sense of place. Our sense of place shapes our identity , hence , we respond well to representations that agree with how we feel about places in our neighbourhood. Such representations add new layers of meanings to these places by revealing interesting information about them , thus enhancing our sense of place. EXAMPLE : Websites which feature the interesting history of the Beaulieu House in Sembawang may develop in people a greater appreaciation for the place , enhancing their attachment to it. However , we may respond defensively to media content that challenges our sense of place , causing us to dismiss these media content , perceiving them as distortions or untruths. EXAMPLE : The negative media potrayal of Yishun after the occurrence of rat problems and other crimes caused the Nee Soon Town Council and residents to share official statistics to show that Yishun is just like any other town in Singapore.

How is sense of place represented ?

Sense of place may be presented through different forms and types of media by individuals and organisations, which reflects people's ideas , memories and significance of the location. An individual may express their personal sense of place in different forms such as texts , audio , graphics and still or movin images. This can then be shared with others through various media types such as print media , broadcast media and internet-based media. EXAMPLE : Using the hashtag #sgmemory , users of the social media platform Instagram share photographs of their memorable experiences of places around Singapore . Organisations may also reflect people's collective sense of place , through both print and internet-based media.

How do people acquire their sense of place through significant or memorable events at local landmarks and gathering places ?

Landmarks are highly visible and easy for most people to remember. They may serve symbolic or historical purposes. EXAMPLE : The Truss Bridges in Bukit Timah were built in 1932 as part of a railway line. Due to their unique design, many people associate them with Singapore's railway history . Many couples and families take photos there , thereby creating memories and acquiring a sense of place . Landmarks may hold positive or negative memories. They may feature public symbols that reflect a community's response to a tragedy , serving as a place for people to preserve their memories of loved ones. EXAMPLE : The Anfield memorial at the Liverpool Football Club's stadium in England remembers the club's supporters who had lost their lives due to overcrowding at Liverpool's old stadium in 1989. Aside from landmarks , our interactions with people at everyday places such as shops may result in us developing an attachment to these places , enabling us to feel a sense of belonging to our neighbourhoods. Places which may not be visually distinctive such as open lawns and plazas may be transformed into memorable places where people gather during community events. EXAMPLE : Jurong Lake Gardens was transformed into a music arena when it hosted the NParks Concert Series into the Park : Rockestra , thus becoming a memorable place for many residents.

How do people acquire their sense of place in their neighbourhood through repeated encounters with objects and people ?

Repeated encounters with objects and people helps us recall the character and feature of places that we come across and create meanings and memories of them. Example : Many residents in Singapore have vivid memories of the scenic journeys along the East Coast Parkway as it is a route that they go by when they return home from overseas.

What is a sense of place ?

Sense of place is developed when people associate meanings and memories with locations. It reflects the relationship people have with the places around them. . A sense of place helps to build our identity , enabling us to understand ourselves and others better. It is derived from our experiences with the natural and built environments , and interactions with others at these locations. It is also highly personal and subjective. One location may hold different meanings for different people , depending on our needs , lifestyle and how we make sense of our experiences of places. Locations in a neighbourhood may also hold special memories for a specific group of residents that they serve. Homemakers and retirees may associate different meanings with hawker centres. Homemakers associate hawker centres with ideas of convenience and variety as they frequently purchase meals from there. Retirees associate hawker centres with ideas such a leisure and relationships as they regularly meet friends for drinks there.

What is the main idea of sense of place ?

It is the importance , meanings and memories people associate with specific locations in their neighbourhoods. It's acquired when people have experiences with natural and built environments and interact with others at these locations. These include individuals repeatedly encountering people and objects along familiar paths or roads during regular travel. Individuals experiencing significant or memorable events at local landmarks and gathering places. It can be represented by individuals and organisations using different forms and types of media to express people's sense of place . It can be enhanced or contradicted by these different representations.

What is media ?

Range from entertainment to news media , including traditional media such as television , and new media such as social media.

What are gathering places ?

Spaces where people are able to congregate and interact.

What are landmarks ?

Buildings or structures with distinguishing characteristics that are easily recognised .

What is built environment ?

The design and configuration of roads , buildings , structures and spaces.

What are memories ?

Significant experiences of a location that individuals remember.

What do meanings mean ?

Significant ideas that individuals associate with a location.