A Study on the Mechanisms of Place-Making in Urban Non-Places through the Inclusive Practice of Walking

Abstract

(Background and Purpose) The large-scale urbanization and commercialization of modern cities have accelerated the proliferation of non-places, such as transport hubs and shopping malls, weakening the sense of place in urban pedestrian spaces. Non-places are characterized by anonymity and functionalism, posing limitations to fostering human identity and social relationships. Simultaneously, advancements in smart city technologies and digitalization, while enhancing urban connectivity, paradoxically contribute to the expansion of non-place characteristics, thereby diminishing the emotional and social value of human-centered spaces. This study aims to interpret walking as an inclusive practice and to identify the mechanisms through which non-places can be transformed into meaningful places. (Method) The study critically examines the concept of the inclusive practice of walking by engaging with the theoretical works of Rebecca Solnit, Michel de Certeau, and Henri Lefebvre, establishing its value as a mechanism for place-making in urban contexts. It demonstrates that walking, as an inclusive practice, serves as an effective mediator in generating a sense of place. Furthermore, the study analyzes five domestic and international case studies—including the High Line in New York, the Promenade Plant‰e in Paris, and the Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul—through qualitative approaches to empirically validate the processes of transforming non-places into places of significance. (Results) The analysis confirms that the inclusive practice of walking is structured around three primary mechanisms that play a crucial role in place-making. First, philosophical contemplation enables pedestrians to reinterpret spaces through thought and sensory engagement, fostering the reconfiguration of spatial identity. Second, emotional interaction strengthens the psychological and emotional bonds between humans and spaces, thereby imbuing anonymous spaces with subjective meaning. Third, aesthetic spatial practice reconstructs urban spaces through pedestrian participation and creative actions, realizing social interaction and aesthetic values. Based on these findings, the study proposes design principles for pedestrian spaces that support place-making and provides practical directions for restoring a sense of place in urban spatial design. (Conclusion) This research systematically identifies the mechanisms of place-making through the multidimensional concept of the inclusive practice of walking and empirically validates its applicability through the analysis of successful case studies. While prior studies primarily focused on theoretical discussions of non-places and place-making, this study uniquely integrates the philosophical, emotional, and aesthetic dimensions of walking to expand its theoretical and practical contributions. Although the reliance on qualitative case studies may limit generalizability, such limitations can be addressed through future research incorporating quantitative data and the integration of smart technologies. Ultimately, this study offers an innovative academic and practical perspective on pedestrian-centered urban design, contributing to the restoration of place in urban regeneration and public space planning.