Abstract
Spatial identity is a result of a connection between people, physical elements of places, and activities associated with them. The development of identity occurs through the psychological process place attachment. This article is based on a research project that observed the spatial identity of young adults living in kampungs (urban villages), in Surabaya city. The young adults are faced with the contrast of a two-sided modernity between the kampungs and the city, which affects their attachment. The study of place attachment has been undertaken through an observation of social life of the participants and spatial perception. Through this study of spatial identity not only physical characteristics were identified, but also social characteristics. This is due to physical conditions of space and social interactions in these spaces are intertwined. The study found that the identity with the strongest attachment is related to social behaviour of the young adults but which is not recognised by current planning strategies. This study of spatial identity is suggesting that policy changes are needed to improve spatial environment of the kampungs.
Highlights
Introduction and empirical studyToday, kampungs1 in Surabaya are places in the central city that offer accessible and affordable settlements for the city centre workers
Surabaya city was initiated by many villages or kampungs that slowly merged towards one city; the city constituted of agriculture land mixed with kampungs as settlement areas for the farmers (Dick 2002)
This article is based on empirical fieldwork in kampungs in Surabaya which aimed to answer several key questions: what is the spatial identity of young adults living in kampungs that is crucial for public policy in preserving this area? what is the specific social life of the participants that affect their spatial attachment to develop spatial identity? Since this research relates to spatial identity development of a specific group through social life, a semi-ethnographical approach is needed, and it allows the researcher to interpret the meaning of the findings (Dillabough, Kennelly 2010)
Summary
Introduction and empirical studyToday, kampungs in Surabaya are places in the central city that offer accessible and affordable settlements for the city centre workers. Surabaya city was initiated by many villages or kampungs that slowly merged towards one city; the city constituted of agriculture land (sugar fields) mixed with kampungs as settlement areas for the farmers (Dick 2002). This situation remained until mid of 18th century. Groups of kampungs have survived on locations inserted in the urban area especially along main arterial streets (Basundoro 2009) This parallel development of the city and the kampungs has lead to a difficult situation for planning strategies with city officials and planners not having the right instruments for dealing with the preservation of kampungs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
