Relationship between sense of place and co-creation experience : case study of Crow Island Beach Park, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Co-creation has been embraced as a new collaborative strategy for place-making. Yet, the reasons behind the agency getting public co-creation participation have not been fully explored. Researchers highlight that one significant intrinsic motivation for taking part in cocreations is a sense of place. On the other hand, some scholars indicate that an enhanced sense of place can be achieved through community participatory strategies and co-creation. However, there is a noticeable absence of empirical investigations into this seemingly reciprocal relationship. Thus, this thesis explores the relationship between the sense of place and the co-creation experience using the case of the Crow Island Beach Park development in Sri Lanka. Following an exploratory research design, data was collected through in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of sixteen members engaged in the beach park development. Additionally, observations, document analysis and a review of social media data were conducted to collect data. Subsequently, content, thematic and concurrence analysis were employed within a qualitative research approach. The findings reveal, firstly, a novel conceptual framework of sense of place termed, ‘a ladder of sense of place’ which delineates distinct stages of sense of place progression from placelessness, connected to the place, committed to the place, commend the place as best and consecrate the place over personal goals. Secondly, the findings reveal that the co-creation experience is depicted as a cycle, with social network-based social experience as the primary aspect, followed by economic, cognitive and hedonic co-creation experiences. Thirdly, a reciprocal relationship between the sense of place and the co-creation experience is identified, marked by a spiraling-up dynamic. The ladder of sense of place broadens existing notions of sense of place and introduces new dimensions to measurement scales. Further, this study makes a noteworthy contribution to the co-creation and place-making literature by introducing the concept of the place co-creation experience cycle. The upward spiral illustrates individuals with a deep sense of place are experiencing greater co-creation experiences. Ultimately, the findings offer valuable insights for planners, environmental managers and policymakers seeking to foster active community participation in sensible and sustainable place-making.