Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

What can make us identify ourselves with places? Why do we feel stronger for certain environments? Is it possible to change the identity and how can we do it? What exactly is building identity on a site, what elements it is safest to hang on to when the wind of change is blowing? In this paper, I’m going to discuss the subject identity in different ways and from different angles. Important questions I have had, has been how to analyze a site and what is the importance of identity and the possibility of changing it?
The first part of the paper aims to provide an introduction to the concept of identity. I'm giving a short explanation of what identity is and how places relate to identity. My conclusions of identity are that it's strongly linked to human intervention. This brings me to the methods of analysis, which includes the involvement and participation of civil society groups. Realizing the importance of participation and commitment made me curious to see the realities of today, which I studied while in the planning process, how they are functioning and how much citizens have to say about it.
The forthcoming ratification of the European Landscape Convention made me study it closer in order to see what impact it might have on the planning process. And therefore the possibility of related civil society groups to engage with their local communities and thus strengthen the identities of the areas and locations. Furthermore, in this paper, I'm describing projects where users have had to be involved and where the identity have been in focus. Finally, I'm making a summary and discussing the reports various sections.