Developer driven new construction often relates little to its context, and the needs and wants of the community in which it is located. In the last few decades we have seen developers market new projects as creating a sense of place without fully understanding the meaning and complexity of the term, which is especially unfortunate in large scale new developments built in existing communities. This thesis will analyze what sense of place is and will question whether sense of place is something that can be created by a design intervention. In addition, it will try to determine how a designer or planner can facilitate sense of place and allow it to emerge in newly created urban developments in existing cities.
Through analysis of literature on sense of place and the study of communities with a strong sense of place, it is clear that sense of place involves three important elements. Strong places allow for a clear sense of the place, or a feeling of being in differentiated space and a feeling of spatial orientation and understanding. They also allow for a connection to and understanding of the spirit of the place; the unique qualities that make up the soul of the place or its genius loci. Furthermore, sense of place involves an attachment to the place, or a subjective perception of and personal connection to a place based on personal experiences in the place. An analysis of the many elements that impact the cultivation of sense of place will be studied through the design of a new mixed use development in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts. By understanding what sense of place is and the factors that contribute to it, it is possible to suggest ways in which designers can facilitate a stronger sense of place in the design of newly established urban settings.