Planning as a Function of Preserving the Identity of Place

Abstract

People create Places, but can hardly distinguish Places from Space as the definition of Place is a complex integration of nature and culture manifested in physical terms, which has been developed and is still developing in particular locations. Places are linked by a flow of people and goods between them, and each of them has its attributes—altogether creating the Identity of Place. Proper respect of cultural and natural heritage values, along with adequate safeguarding and maintaining, will help in preserving the Identity of Place. The most effective tool a planer can use in managing and controlling the Place Identity and its valuable identity attributes is a clearly defined planning process that will result in setting clear and omni-understandable planning ordinances and proposed methodologies for conserving/preserving (protecting) the Identity of Place. This paper proposes possible planning steps that represent a planning model researched and developed within the HERU, scientific project, which could help achieve this goal. The planning process today is a multidisciplinary one, with professionals from different fields taking part. The planner’s role is to coordinate and combine all of their efforts within a single document (physical or urban plan), a document that will create a unique searchlight for the Place development. To make it possible and reach that planning model, all participants must speak the same (professional) language. We need something we all shall agree upon—a relevant glossary within a field that will be prepared by professionals, not by lawmakers.