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‘Place’ remains as an ambiguous and contested domain despite elaborate conceptualisation and discussion on the notion of the term since 1970s. Diverse disciplines ranging from anthropology, geography to sociology has contributed to the discourse with myriads of theorisations and positions, yet it is highly mystified within the discipline of architecture.

 

The crisis of ‘placelessness’ which was characterized by narrative loss of meaning and identity has prompted the discussion of ‘place’. This dissertation reviews the broad range of multi-disciplinary literature on the discourse of place and placelessness to form a critical understanding on the problematic definition of place. This is particularly important with respect to the current development of new ways of theorisation and production of place, as there is no universal definition or consensus among the academic’s or practitioners’ community.

 

With a critical approach, the uncovering of the concept of place and its inter-relations with elements beyond the confines of architectural discipline is employed as a pivot tool to re-assess the contradiction within architectural practice and profession.

 

Presenting an understanding of ‘place’ as more than an ethical component in architecture’s agenda, this dissertation intends to bring light upon architecture as the ‘identification of place’ that resonate more comprehensively with our wider needs and ideals as human, extending to acknowledge our interdependent relationship with the entire planet.