Sense of Place: Emotional Experiences and Identity of Condominium Dwellers

Abstract

This research article aims to demonstrate a set of empirical data and analysis, indicat-ing the important roles of emotion and sense of place towards accommodation, particularly condominiums. It depends on data from in-depth interviews and non-participation observa-tions with 18 residents who live in condominiums in Charan Sanit Wong area. The concept of sense of place suggests considering the relationship between places and individuals through definitions and emotional experiences towards places, which become a guideline for actions. The main questions are: as a "house" or dwelling, how do residents experience living in a condominium and its location? How do dwellers define their condominiums? How do they feel about the place and living in their condominiums? And how do these experiences affect their actions and identity? The findings point out dynamic facets of decisions on the type and location of accommodation, which are influenced by individuals' sense of place towards condominium and the Charan Sanit Wong district. Importantly, they reveal that, besides the physical attribute of the place that could affect way of actions, emotional experiences and sense of place also play significant roles in shaping the behaviors, way of life, and identity of the dwellers.