The power of place in understanding place attachments and meanings

Abstract

This contribution to a spatial theory of sense of place is an invitation to seek a better understanding of the importance of physical and concrete places in dynamic territorial attachments and meanings. The objective is to build a theoretical and methodological framework embracing a spatial approach to relations with place, and of testing it on different territories. From 130 individual interviews conducted in four rural areas, this article provides four main scientific insights: (1) a theoretical input through clarification and classification of seven concepts involved in the interactions between people and places; (2) a framework proposition in order to highlight the important role of place in defining sense of place; (3) an empirical input, with a comparative multiple case analysis; and (4) schematic representations of place attachment (based on place dependence and place identity) and place meaning (based on liked, disliked and notorious entities). Such results may be of interest to both land-use planners, in order to match facilities to affinities, and to inhabitants themselves, as tools for dialog.