A Study of Postmodern Architecture and Place Identity in Residential Complexes: The Case Study of Ekbatan Town
Author
Master’s Student of Architecture, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Raja University, Qazvin, Iran
10.22034/csum.2026.252119
Abstract
This study examines the role of postmodern architectural approaches in the formation and enhancement of place identity. From this perspective, place is not merely a physical structure, but rather the outcome of interactions among space, people, culture, history, and the social context. Using a comparative analysis of selected case studies, the research investigates the physical, semantic, and perceptual components that contribute to the formation of place identity. The findings indicate that attention to cultural and historical context, the use of signs and symbols, formal diversity, and the creation of connections with users’ lived experiences can enhance the sense of belonging, legibility, and meaningfulness of space. In contrast to modern architecture, which places greater emphasis on functionality, rationality, and universal principles, postmodern architecture embraces cultural diversity and responds to the specific characteristics of context, thereby providing greater potential for the formation of a dynamic identity compatible with social conditions. Furthermore, users’ participation and lived experiences in the use and perception of space play an important role in the continuity and reinterpretation of place identity. In this regard, architecture can create memorable and meaningful spaces by establishing connections between the past and the present and incorporating cultural and historical elements. Ultimately, the findings demonstrate that the postmodern approach, through its emphasis on the reciprocal relationship between people and the environment, has considerable potential to strengthen the sense of belonging and place identity while simultaneously responding to the functional, social, and semantic needs of contemporary environments.
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