Starter

The Meaning of Place

"When I stand in front of my window and look out, I see tall buildings, long roads full of vehicles moving in orderly lines... I close my eyes and for a moment I am back in my valley.." Malala Yousafzai

• Which two places is Malala describing?
• Why does one place seem more meaningful than the other?
• Why do some places matter more to people than others?

Starter

Sense of place:

• memories
• emotions
• identity
• attachment

Human geographers are interested not only in where places are, but what those places mean to people.

Space versus Place

"Place differs to the abstract notion of space because places have meaning to people. Space becomes place as we get to know it better."

Space versus Place

Are the following spaces or places?

• Your bedroom
• Your school
• Wembley Stadium
• A motorway service station

Justify your answers.

Space versus Place

Why might your school be considered a place rather than simply a space?

The Multidimensional Nature of Place

Place is multidimensional and can include:

• Physical characteristics
• Human characteristics
• Emotional responses
• Memories
• Media representations
• Cultural meanings

What images come to mind when you hear "London"?

The Multidimensional Nature of Place

Quick Task

• Write three words describing your hometown.

Compare answers around the room

The Multidimensional Nature of Place

Discussion

Why are the answers different?

The Three Dimensions of Place

Location

Where a place is, for example, the co-ordinates on a map.

Examples:

• Latitude
• Longitude
• Distance from another place

The Three Dimensions of Place

Locale

A place shaped by people, cultures and customs.

Examples:

• Buildings
• Shops
• Land uses
• Cultural activities

The Three Dimensions of Place

Sense of Place

The subjective and emotional attachment people have to a place.

Examples:

• Pride
• Fear
• Belonging
• Nostalgia

Glastonbury Place Study

What is Glastonbury?

Use the Hodder textbook to complete the worksheet provided.

4-Mark Question

Explain the difference between space and place. (4 marks)

Model Answer:

Space refers to a physical location that can be measured and mapped. Place is a location that has acquired meaning through human experience and emotional attachment. Space becomes place when people establish connections and memories associated with it.

6-Mark Question

Explain how location, locale and sense of place can be used to define a place. (6 marks)

Indicative Content:

• Location refers to where a place is.
• Locale refers to its physical and social characteristics.
• Sense of place refers to emotional attachment.
• Glastonbury demonstrates all three dimensions.

9-Mark AQA Style Question

Assess the view that sense of place is the most important way of understanding a place. (9 marks)

Possible Discussion:

For:

• Creates attachment.
• Shapes identity.
• Differs between individuals.

Against:

• Location is essential.
• Locale provides physical character.
• All three dimensions work together.