An appraisal on the concept of "Place" and "Placelessness"

The notion of "place" constitutes the main subject and the starting point of the study. The notion of place has come up as a result of the criticism of the modern architectural concept called "space". Theories about place and its relationship with architecture have been in a state of continuous change from the emergence of the concept until today. In terms of this study, it is vital to examine this relationship and develope a perspective on place. In addition, the other important part of the study, "placelessness", that is attributed to the tense relationship between theory and practice is thought to pose a problem in the city. Examining the source of the problem by making an apprasial through examples of placelessness is an aim of the study. This research addresses theoretical and practical aspects of the problem in two major chapters. Additionally, it aims to reveal the relationship between architecture and place. The chapter that discusses defences and critical theories about place is the backbone of the research. Practice-oriented reading of architectural products which displays examples of placelessness constitutes another important part of the study. In the first section, emergence of the notion of place and place defences are examined. Furthermore, the commentaries and critical theories are discussed. Generally, place represents an approach that is related to such notions, like belonging, indentity and also it is compatible with local characteristics and context. Aside from that, critical thinking about place refuses the idea of belonging to a constant place. In this respect, every single architectural product must generate its own contextuality. In the second section, an experimental practice-oriented reading is made through examples which are thought to pose a problem in the city. Architectural products that are generated out of their own place / time, out of context, based on a fictional context, as simulacrum of history and as replications are described as placeless products in this study. The reading section that is organized in three parts, named as Dedifferentiation Places, Commodification of History and Creation of Artificial Places, also includes an interpretation with respect to the theoretical section of the study. As a result of the study, inferences are made on the relationship of place and architecture through the place theories. As for the architectural practice, the outcomes of the afore-mentioned readings are narrated.