Place identity/place making in the built environment-towards a methodological perspective

Abstract

Most research cases on place making discuss aesthetic perspective of the built-environment. Beyond the instinctive approaches of aesthetic qualities, this research contends the question of how the identity of places could be examined in respect to design purposes.

The research aims to introduce an integrative agenda to examine characteristics of spaces and buildings of the built-environment in accordance to place and residents' identity needs. Methodology is based on the analyses of theories explaining components relevant to the processes of place identity in order to develop a conceptual model in which characteristics of buildings and spaces together with identity aspects contribute to identity of places holistically perceived. The interpretation of results initiates an integrated agenda for housing policies, decision-making, and design implementation.