Place attachment to waterscapes in the Hague, the Netherlands

Abstract

Urban waterscapes provide opportunities for transportation, agriculture, as well as for sports, relaxation, and play. Place attachment has been studied in association with residential areas in urban contexts. However, the relationship between urban waterfronts and place attachment has not been established. This study evaluates the psychological and social mechanisms of place attachment, and the role of place attachment for urban policymaking. A theoretical framework incorporating 3 theories, namely cognitive, emotional, and behavioral place attachment, is used. Fifteen detailed in situ and online interviews with residents and ex-residents of the Hague constitute the data collected for this research. The transcribed interviews were analyzed by identifying 9 categories corresponding to the types of place attachment. The categories were discussed in relation to the theoretical framework. The findings show that childhood place memories are crucial for intense and long-lasting place attachment to the seafront of the Hague. This is true especially for the ex-residents, who spent their childhood and teenage years in the Hague, and frequently visited the seafront. Moreover, unique memories associated with strong emotions are greatly impacting place attachment. These are first-time events, such as seeing the North Sea for the first time. Accessibility, and the presence of amenities are also relevant for enhancing attachment. Moreover, the current research shows that place attachment is relevant for policymaking as 1) it unravels environmental quality by exposing resident’s opinions; 2) increased place attachment is linked to a better individual and communal quality of life as it promotes community involvement; 3) attached individuals are more likely to overcome local problems because they share the same interest in place; 4) place attachment is linked to pro-environmental and nature conservation behaviours as individuals are willing to protect the place.