A Sense of Place
What does it mean to have a “Sense of Place”?
People have used this phrase to describe numerous types of places that they have visited or which perhaps exist nearby. To me, when you use this phrase, you have experienced a geographical, natural, historical or architectural location that provides you with a deep sense of emotional, psychological and/ or cultural bonding to the location. In simple terms, it means that a person establishes a relationship with a particular place or setting. This place or setting must be unique or special to the person who is experiencing it. When they enter the place there is no doubt in their mind where they are standing or sitting.
The following list represents just a few of the many ‘Places’ that qualify for this specific characteristic
Imagine if you were transported to any of these locations blindfolded. When your eyes were opened you would know instantly where you were based on the architectural and landscape features of your environment.
Why would we want to have “A Sense of Place”.
I have questioned people about their quality of experience after visiting a certain place. They are almost always more enthusiastic about it if it is a one-of-a-kind experience. Nobody gets excited about a place or space that they have seen numerous times before in other cities or states. A sense of place occurs when you have connection to a location or geographic area. There may be a feeling of comfort, safety, nostalgia, connection or other psychological elements. It is my opinion that if the sense of place is a very positive one, it is a powerful experience that most people will desire to have numerous times in their life. Therefore, they will return repeatedly to this geographic location to have this same experience numerous times.
What are the elements to achieve “A Sense of Place”.
I think this can vary widely but there is a certain core of elements that you need. Let’s look at this list.
- The location, community or building must have unique spatial, architectural or natural elements to that geographic spot only.
- There is a visual connection to a type of culture, identity or a way of life.
- There are historical elements which connect the observer to a family, community or people group.
- The location must exhibit or generate sight, sound, smell, taste and touch stimuli.
How does an architect or designer achieve “A Sense of Place”.
Most architects desire to create a successful building or community design. By successful I do not mean in the economic sense. That is important, but it may not be the highest goal. We would strive to create a building, community or place, like a park, that is completely unique from any other location on the planet. It must have textures, forms, shapes and materials that are pleasing to the human eye, hand and feet. It must have elements that connect you to a culture or a way of life. Visual elements must appear consistently in the whole of the design. I believe that there must be a connection with the natural world also by framed views, natural light, textures and colors. If possible, there may be elements of motion and sound, like a water element with movement. There must be consistent design details, styles, signage, artwork, icons or other markers. When people experience the place or building, they have a great sense of enjoyment and uniqueness. Since they enjoy the experience, they will want to return to it frequently. Successfully designed places make people want to return time and time again. People enjoy the unique sensory experience when they are in the location.
So why Is this important for projects other than museums and large urban places?
We work on a wide variety of projects at Franz Architects. The idea of creating a sense of place can be applied to numerous projects, both small and large. If we design a restaurant that is situated next to a lake, we will want to create a unique experience for the owners and patrons of the restaurant. The design would include all the elements that I just listed. We are also involved in developing designs for a large tract of land over 200 acres. We were given the challenge of creating an entire neighborhood on this project. We will create signage, monuments, landscape, lakes, parks, sculpture and building designs for this project. The goal here is to create a development that instantly has a “Sense of Place”, so the users have a great sense of enjoyment and uniqueness.
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