Why self-identity is essential for "sustainable communities"

Abstract


As Landscape Architects we are “place makers” and we intend to make places that satisfy the needs of the people who use them. I argue that a most important need of being human is “self-identity”, but suggest that “opportunity for humans to develop self-identity” is seldom if ever an expressed requirement. Further, for democratic spaces in the public realm, how could self-identity be an achievable requirement? I argue that “place attachment” - the emotional response to a place - is a vital component of self-identity and that the opportunity to achieve it can and should be designed into places. I conclude by re-iterating some design guidance, but accept that there are financial and social reasons why designs may continue to fail to create place attachment for individuals.

For the full article, please follow the link:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/22152473/Role-of-Self-Identity-in-Place-Attachment

Who should build our homes?

CABE discussion:

http://www.cabe.org.uk/publications/who-should-build-our-homes

One model worth following is Community Land Trusts (highlighted in Conservative Party Housing Green Paper) such as at High Bickington

http://www.communitylandtrust.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=38

How to create "Place Attachment" in new developments (e.g. Ecotowns)

Here I present my understanding of "place attachment", how it forms, why it is important to individuals and communities.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/19382361/Place-Attachment

I ask how one might help foster it in new developments, e.g. through group self-build.

(Unfortunately, "docstoc" doesnt support powerpoint files, so I've had to convert to PDF and lose the recorded commentary.  If you are interested and want to hear the commentary, get in touch and I will email you the powerpoint slide.  Click "view" and "slideshow")

Richard
December 12 09