Sense of place in architectural design

Abstract

The paper deals with the link between the qualities of place and people’s relation to it, and their mental health, or well-being. The aim of the paper is to identify the structure of sense of place, which may be applied as a guideline for architectural design heading towards creation of healthy places, based on place-bound architectural results that positively affect mental health. Composition of sense of place is laid out by benefiting from interdisciplinary conceptions of place and sense of place; three major components: physical setting, human activities and meanings, are identified. Analysis of Lithuanian place-sensitive buildings of high architectural quality, explores the link of architectural objects to people’s wellbeing using the criteria set according the identified structure of sense of place.