Exploring the Role of 'Visual Catalysts' on Influencing People's Attraction and Use of Place

3 Can temporary place-based interventions, such as ‘visual catalysts’, be used to ignite
place attachment to underutilised public places?
The influence <strong>of</strong> ‘visual catalysts’ have over <strong>the</strong> attraction and use <strong>of</strong> place can be substantial
as outlined in <strong>the</strong> previous two research question discussions. The influence it has over
<strong>the</strong> physical and social attributes <strong>of</strong> a place can also potentially ignite place attachment to
underutilised public places, as many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> features that increased during <strong>the</strong> festival, such
as <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> people, displays <strong>of</strong> affections, and overall interest levels, can be a strong
precursor and building block for a positive relationship for people with place.
As seen in this study, <strong>the</strong> experience <strong>of</strong> place became more centred on <strong>the</strong> user; something
which creates a more affable and positive relationship with <strong>the</strong> user. The interest <strong>of</strong> what parts
<strong>of</strong> place altered, and became more intimate <strong>of</strong> an experience with <strong>the</strong> direct human scale.
This close interaction with place can act as a precursor to a formed attachment. People during
<strong>the</strong> VIVID exhibition were also shown to be more affection, which is also a direct precursor to
potentially igniting one’s attachment to place. Displays <strong>of</strong> affection, such as kissing, can create
a lasting memory <strong>of</strong> place which can lead to positive recollections and affiliations as discussed
fur<strong>the</strong>r in <strong>the</strong> following chapter.
People were also found to be in more groups, and engaged with <strong>the</strong> place more readily and
heartily. The role <strong>of</strong> crowds and being in groups lead to <strong>the</strong> observation <strong>of</strong> people being
more sociable and interest in one ano<strong>the</strong>r, as well as <strong>the</strong>ir place around <strong>the</strong>m. People were
observed to not have earphones on as much during <strong>the</strong> VIVID festival, which can be a barrier
to creating a sense <strong>of</strong> place as one is detached from <strong>the</strong> direct experience. Hence, it is likely
that people were going to ignite an attachment to place more prominently during <strong>the</strong> festival,
ra<strong>the</strong>r than when it was not active.
All <strong>the</strong>se attributes can potentially lead to <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> a greater attachment to place,
however acts <strong>of</strong> creative placemaking are more likely to be building block towards greater
attachment to place, such as <strong>the</strong> VIVID festival provided <strong>the</strong> opportunity for more memories to
be made, and for more personal investment to be established about <strong>the</strong> place.
CONCLUSION
The findings presented in this chapter underline <strong>the</strong> core <strong>the</strong>me <strong>of</strong> ‘visual catalysts’ having
<strong>the</strong> capacity to influence <strong>the</strong> attraction and use <strong>of</strong> place in a transformative manner for both
people and place. ‘Visual catalysts’ can redirect people’s attention to <strong>the</strong>ir encompassing
reference points, and created a more receptive place at <strong>the</strong> human scale. Additionally, this has
<strong>the</strong> potential to lay <strong>the</strong> foundations for attachment to place to grow from. The implications
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se statements in terms <strong>of</strong> people’s experience and attachment to place is fur<strong>the</strong>r
considered in <strong>the</strong> following chapter, <strong>the</strong> discussion.
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