Strengthening place attachment through place-sensitive participatory regional policy in a less developed region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Disrupted identities of inhabitants in old industrial and other less developed regions are seldom an issue of regional policies, even though people’s attachment to their residential environment can influence territorial development. It is the aim of this paper to assess the reach of regional policy to strengthen place attachment and the place identity of inhabitants. We do so by analysing the development and implementation process of the novel participatory and place-sensitive policy programme #heimatruhr. The programme aimed to renew residents’ attachment and emotional bonds with their neighbourhoods in the old industrial region Ruhr in Germany through arts and social innovation-based initiatives. It was designed in an experimental process and followed an open, co-creative, and transformative proceeding. The key to place-sensitivity was the integration of participants during the entire programme development and implementation from the early phases onwards. Our findings suggest that supporting people-centred place-making practices as part of regional policies can positively influence residents’ place attachment. Therefore, place-based policies should not only target local economic development but also include an explicit people-centred perspective.