CONFIGURING IDENTITIES PLACE IDENTITY AND INTERMEDIATE TOWNS

Abstract

Ongoing urbanisation trends have resulted in the expansion of cities, with people from diverse backgrounds aiming to reap the benefits. Under such circumstances, intermediate towns have emerged as front runners in the search for a common ground between rurality and urban development. With the potential to provide comfortable living conditions away from the hustle of the city, these regions, due to the proximity of their location form an important interface between the two networks. While there has been immense research on the socio-spatial factors in rural and urban areas, how people identify with intermediate towns and their features is less explored. The research focuses on the role of design in shaping the identity of intermediate towns and underlines important factors to be considered in the process. Hosting both resident and commuter populations, the Swedish town of Sandared was chosen as a case study for the research. The study was conducted by interpreting the term “place identity” from three different perspectives - visual, social, and spatial. A theoretical framework based on these perspectives was then carried forward into the case by guiding the data analysis and design strategy for Sandared’s town center. Data analysis showed a disconnect between the town and the people on various fronts. From a system perspective, the town’s current centre provided very less opportunities for people to interact and included several redundant and unoccupied spaces along with being perceived as decrepit and un-inviting. With the aim of reconnecting the town with its people, the design proposal, through the introduction of inclusive social spaces, provides increased opportunities for interaction. By finding a balance between mobility and livability, the spaces foster the development of place identity by enabling engagement with social, spatial, and visual aspects. When evaluated, the theoretical framework was found to align with the requirements of the case, making it a relevant approach for investigating socio-spatial relations in similar contexts. The research highlights how defining strong socially constructed place identities can result in the sustainable development of intermediate towns by accommodating urbanisation trends while retaining connections to local roots.