The meaning of new building-place relationships: A multi-dimensional framework based on experience

Abstract

The article presents a conceptual framework that examines the meaning of the new building-place relationship through individuals' mental representations and internal responses, as shaped by lived experiences. Developed using a phenomenological approach, the framework comprises three dimensions-Orientation (individual-place relationship), Environment (new building-place relationship), and Identification (individual-new building relationship)-and four levels of meaning: (1) Representational, related to perception and recognition; (2) Emotional, encompassing affective responses; (3) Evaluative, informed by past experiences; and (4) Inferential, derived from physical, mental, and spatial interactions. A codebook, iteratively developed through a comprehensive literature review, was used to classify these layers of meaning. The analysis reveals that the meaning of the new building-place relationship is multi-layered, shaped by perception, personal experience, and contextual factors. This study offers a novel perspective by juxtaposing phenomenological insights from diverse user groups within the built environment. Through a comparative and interdisciplinary triangulation approach, it advances an understanding that foregrounds the subjective complexity of spatial experience, uncovering meaningful divergences in perception and interpretation. These findings contribute to design thinking, theoretical discourse, and urban and architectural practice, while emphasizing the role of experiential and participatory approaches in cultivating meaningful spatial relationships.