Keywords/phrases: Places of natural and phenomenological power, Effects of place and human response, Natural and built environment interaction
Abstract
Throughout history, human societies and cultures have encountered and sought to dwell in particular places for particular reasons. These may include simple subsistence to complex spiritual and phenomenological connections, though in all cases individuals or groups may further elect to acknowledge specific locales as areas special and perhaps sacred to all the rest, and revered for ostensible or otherwise mystical power. The concept of place and space and link to forces seen and unseen has equally guided the evolution of global culture and societies; with many sharing in common beliefs and methods of site veneration, in addition to the ability for health and well-being to be realized, by attaining a greater consciousness and connection to particular places deemed critical to sustaining existence.
Within a series of case studies, examining select sites possessing cultural expressions that indicate explicit attention and connection to particular space and place, attempt will be made to seek correlation between global cultures that collectively aim to identify particular locales as areas of potential power. Particular emphasis will be directed toward comparative locations, sustaining cultural populations that continue to bridge traditional and modern perspectives and practices with regard to place ways. Places or spaces that promote a sense of cultural or personal well-being, healing or preservation shall be examined for their intrinsic qualities and characteristics, alongside human expressions both ancient and modern that identify and respect particular locations as places of health and healing.