Home as a dynamic shift(ing) place through the narrative of St. Paul’s Bay

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to investigate the concept of home as a dynamic shifting place. The author investigates the purpose of architecture in shaping the individual’s emotional and psychological connection to the built environment, principally by focusing on the correlation between the notions of: (i) home, (ii) place attachment and (iii) belonging. Analysing the town of St. Paul’s Bay, the aim is to examine connections between the built environment and its users, specifically how emotional constructs such as identity and the sense of belonging are influenced by architecture and space. Moving beyond the physical shelter, the author highlights that home is defined as an evolving concept which is shaped through architectural features by fostering attachment, supporting memory and creating a sense of belonging within a community. Through this narrative, the research will investigate how the sense of belonging impacts both behavioural and emotional aspects of an individual, offering insights into the interplay between space, place and human experiences – and their memory deeply embedded in the individual. This approach seeks to understand the role of architecture in fostering these experiences, which shapes both the individual’s and the community’s identity. This study will draw on the theories of place attachment and the human need to belong (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). This work will also investigate how architectural components support the formation of place-bond ties and identity. However, this attachment is susceptible to architectural alterations, which can disrupt familiarity and trigger nostalgia and/or placelessness. Ultimately, this study questions the significance of architecture in cultivating a sense of home and a feeling of belonging in place by constructing physical spaces and emotional landscapes that promote cohesiveness.