Sophie Henderson

“Place of Attachment” is a long-term social housing alternative inspired by the psychological theory of place attachment situated in the historic listed building of Blackness Primary School. Place Attachment is described as the relationship between people and places and how their emotions react to these factors.

Within a social housing setting, positive place attachment can often be lost due to lack of stability or design. “Place of Attachment” aims to tackle these feelings of attachment towards place and create an environment where positive place attachments can be formed.

Through the use of spatial, social and temporal elements such as adaptable spaces, designated personal space and a diverse interior, the design provides a stable and nurturing, long-term home for people within social housing criteria, while taking the existing geometry and spatial elements of the historic Blackness Primary School.

Through the use of adaptable and personalisable spaces, individuals in need of social housing will be able to customise their living space in a way that rented accommodation does not allow, helping to aid growth and security, and the forming of a positive place attachment towards one’s living space.