Abandoned places—whether an empty house with peeling wallpaper, a rusted car overtaken by nature, or an old factory frozen in time—pull on our emotions. They aren’t just empty shells; they carry layers of personal and collective memory that deepen our connection to the past and, in turn, shape who we are. Central to this emotional bond is place attachment. An idea that helps us understand why these abandoned places resonate so strongly with us.
Why Do We Feel Connected to Abandoned Places?
1. Place Attachment and Memory
In psychology, place attachment explains the emotional bonds we form with places, similar to those we form with people. These person-to-place attachments form over time through experiences, memories, and the significance we place on locations. Even when we leave a place behind, its impact can shape who we are. The idea that we can feel attached to a place, even in its dereliction (see Figures 1 & 2), is central to understanding how we relate to abandoned places.
In addition, Psychologist Maria Lewicka (2011) suggests that nostalgia for lost places helps reinforce a sense of identity and belonging. It’s not just the physical structure that matters, but the memories and emotions tied to it. For instance, an old school overtaken by weeds or a childhood home left in ruin can evoke a strong emotional response. They remind us of what once was, anchoring us to a broader narrative of change and continuity.
2. The Role of Collective Memory
Sociologists like Pierre Nora (1989) argue that abandoned places function as lieux de mémoire—sites of memory that preserve cultural identity. Even in decay, these settings tell stories of the people who once inhabited them—bridging the past and present. By revisiting these places or even just remembering them, we reaffirm our ties to a collective history.
Furthermore, this idea of place attachment isn’t solely about the physical environment. It’s about the memories embedded in those locations. For instance, the house that once buzzed with life (see Figures 3 & 4), the factory that employed generations, or the school that shaped our youth—these places are reminders of who we were and who we are today.
3. How Abandoned Places Shape Our Identity
Abandoned places (see Figures 5 & 6) help define our identity, an idea explored by urban studies researcher Tim Edensor (2005). These forgotten places offer a chance to reflect on how we relate to the environments around us, even when those settings are no longer in use. Furthermore, psychogeography—a field that explores how physical environments influence emotions and identity—argues that wandering through abandoned places can deepen our connection to a location.
Moreover, the crumbling walls of an old building or the overgrown paths of a forgotten park carry meanings beyond their physical appearance. Consequently, they become landmarks in our personal and cultural narratives. Whether we realise it or not, we integrate them into our understanding of who we are and where we belong. As Kevin Lynch (1960) observed in The Image of the City, we mentally map and assign meaning to our surroundings—abandoned places are no different. Even in decay, they help us navigate our emotional and cultural landscape.
4. Place Attachment Photography, Memory, and the Power of Preservation
Photography plays a key role in documenting and preserving abandoned places, helping to communicate how we feel about these locations. As Susan Sontag (1977) noted, photography allows us to renew the presence of places that might otherwise fade into obscurity. By capturing these abandoned places, photographers bring attention to their significance, not as physical locations but as emotional touchstones in our personal and collective memory.
Through abandonment photography, we reimagine these decaying structures as living memories. Each image captures the details of time’s passage—peeling wallpaper, rusted metal, and crumbling bricks—all resonating deeply with viewers. Moreover, these photos remind us of the transience of human existence and how we hold onto places long after we leave them.
Key Points – Place Attachment and How Abandoned Places Shape Our Identity
So, how do place attachment and the bonds we form with abandoned places shape our identity and sense of place in the world?
- It reconnects us with personal and cultural history.
- It reminds us that places shape identity and belonging, even after we abandon them.
- It challenges us to reflect on the passage of time and our relationship with change.
- It allows us to engage with the past through photography and storytelling.
In summary, abandoned places are more than ruins—they are markers of human experience. They evoke nostalgia, loss and connection—tangible reminders of our place in the world. Through the lens of place attachment, we can better understand how these forgotten spaces shape our identity and sense of belonging, even after we leave them behind.
Join the Conversation
So, do abandoned places evoke a sense of belonging for you? Share your thoughts in the comments, or spread the conversation by sharing this post. Let’s explore how the forgotten can help us rediscover our place in the world.