Heritage and Place Attachment

This chapter explores the role of interior design in increasing place attachment in the indoor experience of historic buildings. Its goal is to draw connections between these two topics, as few links have been made between them in literature. Typically, literature regarding how interior design can affect emotions focuses on health facilities or school environments but generally overlooks historical places. However, these places can have an important role in communities, by being reminders of old ways of living and stimulating interest and curiosity in the history of the current place. To address this, a cross discipline literature review will be examined and synthesised when presenting a framework for understanding the importance of the potential effects of heritage conservation. Evidence from the Burra Charter and UNESCO&s;s Historic Urban Landscapes document suggests that historic places are a locus of emotional attachment, which strongly and positively contribute to defining self-identity. In turn, this can give meaning to one&s;s life by understanding the past and increasing feelings of belonging and community connection with the present. Therefore, this chapter demonstrates how becoming attached to historical buildings entails entering and experiencing their interior qualities and atmosphere in an immersive way, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for people.