Exploring the interplay between physical environment characteristics and place attachment: A case of Selimiye neighbourhood in İstanbul

Abstract

The fundamental objective of urban planning and design is to consider the city as a living organism and to provide solutions that are in harmony with the needs of the inhabitants who live in and shape these dynamic places. When considering the human factor, it is essential not to ignore the fundamental role of emotions and perceptions. It is therefore crucial to approach urban planning and design in a way that brings together various disciplines. In recent years, urban research has focused not only on the physical aspects of the city, but also on its sociological and psychological dimensions. Studies in environmental psychology, such as the topic of place attachment, have gained prominence. The diversity of studies has increased in response to the emergence of monotonous, cities without any character and identity as a result of the industrial revolution. This approach has emphasised the importance of integrating different disciplines to deal with the complex and dynamic nature of urban environments and to deal with contemporary problems of rapid urbanisation. Given the negative results observed in current planning practices and large-scale urban transformation projects, there is still a need to address this issue. From an urban planning perspective, the recognition of psycho-social dimensions is crucial to the creation of functional, emotionally satisfying and sustainable environments. In this context, an interdisciplinary and holistic approach may be useful for urban planning studies. Layout, aesthetic elements, duration of residence, diversity of activities and the symbolic significance of a place are among the fundamental factors that influence perceptions and emotions. Each of these factors is strongly influenced by the conditions and character of the physical environment. Given that perceptions and emotions are expressed as place attachment through complex processes, a detailed examination of the integrity of the physical environment holds the potential to provide effective solutions to contemporary urban challenges. This thesis is an exploration of the complex interplay between the characteristics of the physical environment and place attachment among residents of the Selimiye Neighbourhood, Istanbul. In particular, the study explores the psycho-social mechanisms underlying these elements, emphasising the reciprocal nature of their interaction. Selimiye was chosen as a case study area due to its unique characteristics, adding a unique dimension to the research. By revealing the nuances of this relationship, the thesis aims to encourage an interdisciplinary research approach. It also seeks to provide insights that will contribute to the creation of sustainable, liveable and emotionally satisfying urban environments. In this study, a mixed-methods approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted to explore individuals' attachment to the built and natural environment in the Selimiye Neighbourhood. The methodology included a detailed literature review for background and context, which guided the selection of research methods. Spatial configuration features, historical analysis, in-depth interviews, image maps, on-site observational analysis, and space syntax analysis were chosen to provide a holistic understanding of Selimiye Neighbourhood's physical characteristics and its inhabitants' attachment to place. The data obtained were evaluated according to the overall research objectives. The literature review provides an overview of the historical development of human-environment interaction within environmental psychology, emphasising the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The following section explores human-environment interaction, examining concepts such as place, sense of place, genius loci, place attachment and place identity. Contributions from different scholars are reviewed and their interrelationships explored, highlighting that positive emotions towards a place are shaped by characteristics of the physical environment, including spatial arrangement, aesthetic elements, diverse activities, memories, history, meaning, symbols, age, education and length of residence. The second section of the literature review focused on the definition of a city in different disciplines, theories related to physical form elements and spatial layout, and especially the Space Syntax Theory.