Place identification process: a structural equation modeling of the relationship between humans and the built environment

People and place are inevitably intertwined through significant cognitive relationships and mental bonds, indicating social and psychological meanings derived from experiences. Despite many studies on place identity as a versatile conception base for psychological formulations of human–environment associations, there is still a gap in explaining how and why inhabitants identify with a place and make it meaningful through social comparison processes. Therefore, this article explores and explains the place identification process, which results from the continuous emotional and evaluative relationship between humans and the built environment, reflected in an environmental mnemonic of the conscious and unconscious but significant perception. Following a structuralist approach aiming at developing a model to scrutinize associations between different dimensions and sub-dimensions, eight factors of Familiarity, Legibility and Distinctiveness, Satisfaction, Self-efficacy, Social Interaction, Congruency, Attachment, and Memorability have been considered. Through separate Confirmatory Factor Analyses, a measurement model and then a structural equation model of place identification have been developed, clarifying the role and direct and indirect influence of the mentioned dimensions, including specific sub-dimensions and related particular measures/variables. Statistical indices of assessing data–model fit establish that the resulting model is adequate and acceptable regarding the coordination of observed data with the factor structure. Accordingly, a local inhabitant could gradually be as a self who is familiar with a legible and distinct place in which his/her physical/biological and then spiritual/social needs and priorities are answered and satisfied. Hence, he/she becomes involved and attached to a place that has become memorable for him/her.