Discovering the Components of a Place's Identity

Old apartment buildings, Dong Da district, Hanoi city. Photograph by author, 2022

Have you ever wondered what makes a place unique? What gives it its character and sense of identity? The answer lies in the components of local identity, which are the various elements that contribute to a place's distinctiveness. In this article, we'll explore the key elements that contribute to a place's identity, from its physical attributes to the cultural and social factors.

Defining Local Identity

Local identity refers to the unique and recognizable characteristics of a place, including its natural environment, architecture, history, cultural traditions, local cuisine, and its vibrant community. It is a dynamic concept that constantly evolving with the influences of social, economic, and political forces [1].

But local identity is more than just what sets a place apart from others, it also forms the basis for other levels of identity, including national, regional, and urban [1]. At the broadest level, national identity is shaped by a country's shared history and attributes; followed by regional identity, which is influenced by historical and territorial factors; smaller than regional identity is urban identity, which is shaped by a city's natural, social, and built elements [1].

Different Levels of Identity. Infographic by author, 2023

At the base of the hierarchy lies local identity. Local identity is specific to a small-scaled place, such as a city quarter or street, that provides accessibility to daily necessities, supporting one's day-to-day life [1]. It focuses on people who participate in a very narrative scale of an area, like a neighborhood in a city. If you want to truly understand a city, you need to start by understanding its local identity.

Main Components of Local Identity

While there are various ideas about what makes a place unique, one of the most prominent theories on place identity was developed by Edward Relph, an expert in urban planning and place study. According to Relph, a place's identity is made up of three crucial components: its physical surroundings, the activities that take place, and the meanings attributed to it by the people who live there.

Elements of Local Identity. Infographic by author, 2023

The first element, physical setting, includes its natural features, built environment and spatial arrangement. The physical setting encompasses natural features such as landscape and climate, built environment like architecture and infrastructure. The natural environment can greatly influence how people interact with an area and its resources, while the built environment reflects the history and culture of a place [2].

The second vital component of local identity is activities, which involve the cultural practices, social gatherings, and daily routines of people living in the area. It is the most observable element that fosters a sense of shared identity and belonging among community members. This element is often showcased through various cultural forms like art, music, food, and more, representing the collective identity of the community [2].

The third element, individual and group meanings, is often more complex to comprehend. It relates to the emotional and psychological connections that people have with a place and is developed when a place fulfills their behavioral goals and intentions better than any alternatives. This element encompasses the collection of memories, interpretations, ideas, and related feelings about their surroundings [2].

Elements of Local Identity. Infographic by author, 2023

The three elements of local identity - physical setting, activities, and meanings - are interrelated and create a dynamic relationship within a place. The physical context and activities work together to form functional spaces that serve the needs of the community. The physical setting and meanings combine to shape the direct and empathetic experience of landscapes or townscapes, while activities and meanings merge in many social acts and shared histories [2]. Each element influences and informs the others, creating a rich tapestry of meaning and identity that is unique to a specific place.

Aspects of Local Identities

Conceptual framework of local identity from Thwaites and Simkins (2007). Infographic by author, 2023.

Thwaites and Simkins (2007) proposed a model that is similar to Relph’s components of place identity. They emphasized four key aspects of local identity: physical, social, sensory, and memory, which contribute to the uniqueness of a place. In addition to the physical and social aspects, the sensory and memory aspects are more personal and experiential. The sensory aspect of a place refers to how it's experienced through our senses, while the memory aspect is about the cultural and historical significance that shapes our understanding of the place [1].

Similar to Relph’s model, the aspects of a place - sensory, memory, physical, and social - are all connected. When people use a place, their activities affect the social aspect, which then impacts how the place is perceived through the senses and through their memories. Over time, all of these factors come together to create a unique local identity that evolves and adapts as people's daily activities shape the physical aspect of the place [1].

In essence, the uniqueness of a local identity is derived from the daily interactions between people and their environment over time.

Application

To illustrate how these components can be incorporated into design decisions, consider the example of a historic downtown district.

District 1, Ho Chi Minh city. Photograph by author, 2023

The physical component would involve preserving and enhancing the historic architecture, streetscape, and public spaces that give the area its unique character. Design decisions could include restoring historic buildings, adding appropriate landscaping, and providing comfortable and inviting public spaces for people to gather.

A refreshing stall below an old apartment building in District 1, Ho Chi Minh city. Photograph by author, 2023

The social component would involve promoting a sense of community and connection among the people who live, work, and visit the downtown district. Design decisions could include providing opportunities for social interaction, such as outdoor seating, public art displays, and community events.

Colorful tiles in an apartment in District 1, Ho Chi Minh city. Photograph by author, 2023

The meaning component would involve creating a sense of attachment and belonging for individual people who have their own unique experiences and memories associated with the downtown district. Design decisions could include providing interpretive signage, historic markers, and other visual cues that help people connect with the area's history and cultural heritage.

Incorporating these components into design decisions can create a sense of place that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful, relevant, and authentic to its context.

The Practicality of Local Identity

So, where do the study of place and local identity fits into the ever-evolving global landscape? It can offer designers valuable insights into navigating the challenges of globalization [1]. As Relph suggests, this knowledge can aid in the preservation and revitalization of existing places, as well as the creation of new ones.

By identifying a place's unique story and features, designers can enhance positive local identity elements, strengthen the bond between people and their surroundings, and prevent negative impacts of development [1]. Plus, by grasping the distinctive qualities of a local site, designers can identify the true needs of local people and incorporate popular elements to derive new local identity in the making of new places, but that's a topic for another time!

References

1. Shao, Y., Lange, E., Thwaites, K. et al. (2017) 'Defining Local Identity', Landscape Architecture Frontiers, 5(2), pp. 24-41. ISSN 2096-336X.

2. Relph, E. (1976) Place and Placelessness. London: Pion Limited.