Meanings and representation of place Flashcards
Representation of place
How individuals, or organisations such as businesses or councils, portray places they know about to others.
It effects the reputation, popularity and economy of a place.
Tourist companies or councils
They will present places positively as they will gain from how well a place is perceived.
e.g. ‘Visit Bristol’ describes the harbour as “an attractive, modern development filled with restaurants, bars, shops and hotels”. It is “alive” and a “fantastic central hub”. The website also reflects on its past, stating that it was “once a busy dock where sailors and merchants would trade goods”.
Newspapers
They may focus on the negative aspects of a place in circumstances where it may help them sell more copies e.g. high levels of homelessness in Bristol.
Individuals
People who are proud to come from a place may present it to others in a positive way, whilst individuals who have had a bad experience may present it negatively to others.
e.g. twitter
Governments
They try to influence peoples sense of place to attract people or investment to the area.
Corporate bodies
Businesses or government-funded agencies will try to influence peoples sense of place to generate a profit, or because they have been set up for a particular purpose e.g. VisitBritian was set up to promote tourism.
Communities or local groups
They try to change the perceptions of a place to improve the local economy or the lives of local people.
e.g. Local people and business owners in Ludlow promote the town through organising a food festival every year - associating the place with good food and attracting visitors.
Place marketing
How places are ‘sold’ to potential visitors or investors.
Marketing companies may be employed to design logos or run campaigns.
e.g. Lake District ‘Adventure Capital’
This is being promoted through a website and social media page, which have details of all the activities available in the area.
Reimaging
Changing existing negative perceptions of places.
e.g. in the 80s and 90s people viewed Birmingham as that of high unemployment, abandoned factories and poor architecture.
Old industrial areas like Brindley place have been reimaged and turned into new developments. It is now a town centre mixed development that includes, shops, offices, a gallery and a theatre.
Rebranding
Giving a place a new identity that is appealing to people and investors. It is achieved through reimaging, place marketing and regeneration schemes.
Instantly recognisable logos and slogans as used e.g. I Love New York.
New York Rebranging
1977
Crime was high, tourism was low and there was a risk of bankruptcy.
The New York Department of Economic Development commissioned Wells Rich Greene to create a tourist-friendly campaign.
Type writer logo
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