pov architecture and cities: Sense of Place: 1, Definitions

Some definition of the term "sense of place" is needed before getting into its discussion. At its most basic, it simply means the specific nature of our immediate surroundings and our awareness of them. But, because a place can have so many elements in its composition, and its perception varies among us anyway, defining "sense of place" can become a lengthy effort. It actually amounts to an academic discipline all of its own. Whatever appears in this post, more will likely follow in future posts on the subject. Here's what Wiki has to say about it.
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In architecture, it would seem that the more factors that contribute to building a sense of place the designer understands, the better. Christian Norberg-Shulz's book, Genius Loci, is a definitive examination of phenomenology of architecture. "The distinctive atmosphere or pervading spirit of a place."
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If we had a heads-up display for assessing sense of place, it might have a list of factors to one side with little red lights beside those present in the place. Part of the list might include physical comfort, memorability, uniqueness, security, spatial definition, a view beyond, people, beauty, available food and drink, well-designed or naturally-formed places to sit, weather, lighting, connection to nature, symbols representing one's values, familiar or newly intriguing fixtures. The list could go on to include spatial scale of intimacy or grandeur, sounds, smells, tactile objects and more. The point is, many factors can come into play.
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To me, sense of place implies a relatively intense experience. This experience is formed by inherent attributes of the place itself, and by the current perceptual traits of the person who's experiencing it. The designer obviously can't satisfy the needs of every state of mind a place's users bring to it. Awareness and the best available accommodation of perceptual variations is all one can offer.
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The more comfortable or meaningful a person finds a place, the better. Comfort can be nurtured by many things, but the most relevant are those which foster memories. A sense of feeling welcome, relaxed, often but not necessarily of specific spatial enclosure, of association with friends, family or allies are desirable. Familiarity with the place can contribute, but strong sense of place can occur without it. Some of the strongest experiences of place in one's lifetime can be diverse. A cozy, secure room in a house with a roaring fireplace might be one, while a grand landscape with a sweeping view of an immense mountain range may be another.
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A sense of place can be designed or supported to a significant degree, or it can evolve without conscious intervention of any particular kind. Architectural design is, it's hoped, heavily influenced by the idea of a sense of place. Come to think of it, running a successful restaurant needs the same kind of sensibility.
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If there is one attibute that is most closely associated with sense of place, it would probably be that of the place being memorable.
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A Canadian geographer and professor at the University of Toronto, Ted Relph, gives a great deal of insight into sense of place. His book, Place and Placelessness, brings academic rigor to the subject which is often only fuzzily grasped by many who most need to understand it, architects. Dr. David Seamon, a professor at Kansas State University, teaches and researches this subject in a helpful and focused way. His article on Relph's work is in itself an excellent explanation of essential elements that make up what is known as sense of place.
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I've mentioned him in earlier posts, and Christopher Alexander offers some of the best insight into sense of place, even when he's specifically talking about other things. His books, The Timeless Way of Building and A Pattern Language are great explorations into place and the things which resonate with us in the way we experience it.
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Further links:
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Ted Relph. Yosemite as a Mythical Place.
Barbara Allen and Thomas J. Schlereth, Sense of Place: American Regional Cultures.
Maria Lorena Lehman, Sensing Architecture.
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