Abstract

Place-identity is one of the dimensions of the bond between people and their environment, and it defines their identity in relation to the place where they live. Having a strong place-identity enables people to respond to their personal and social needs and provides them with a sense of self-esteem, congruity with the place, belonging, and attachment to where they live. However, the continued achievement of positive place-identity can become challenging for residents when the built environment is subject to physical or social change. Where levels of socio-cultural diversity are high, to what extent can a diverse group of people form positive and identity-shaping bonds with a common place? This question becomes an increasingly important one as our cities become more and more diverse. And what is the role of city planners and designers in managing contrasting or competing desires for place-identity in our multicultural cities? This article establishes a theoretical framework for an empirical investigation of the relationship between place-identity and cultural representation in conditions of socio-cultural diversity. The article offers this framework by arguing that cultural representation in the built environment influences people’s place-identity. Furthermore, we assert that the creation or alteration of place-identity can be a motivation for individuals and groups as they seek to manipulate the built environment.