Residents’ Sense of the Place in the Central Part of Kaunas City in Relation to Tangible Cultural Heritage

Abstract In the context of rapidly changing urban environments, it becomes crucial to understand how, in that process, not to lose values, which are already there, but further improve sustainable, historically and culturally rooted or even personally meaningful urban spaces. Thus, this research examines the residents’ sense of place in the central part of Kaunas City, Lithuania, focusing on its connection with tangible cultural heritage. To achieve this aim, a series of tasks explores the interplay between the city’s tangible heritage and the residents’ demographic and sociocultural characteristics. The literature analysis provides a theoretical framework by reviewing existing research on the sense of place and material cultural heritage. This is followed by a sociological survey designed to clarify the demographic and sociocultural characteristics of the residents living in central Kaunas. The resident’s sense of the place of the entire city and central part of Kaunas is also investigated here. A key aspect of the research is the evaluation of relations between the sense of place and various demographic and sociocultural factors. The survey explores how different groups within the population perceive and react to heritage objects and attach semantic meanings to these structures. Analysis of the Cultural Heritage Inventory (filled by the public) data helps to identify what type of heritage objects residents most wish to preserve, providing valuable insights for urban planners and heritage conservationists. In the context of Kaunas, a city rich in interwar modernist architecture and other significant cultural heritage sites, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the city’s future development. It highlights the need for policies that balance modernisation with the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that the city’s unique character and history are maintained. Overall, this research is relevant not only for Kaunas but also for other cities facing similar challenges. The results of this study suggest that effective heritage management in Kaunas requires a nuanced understanding of the resident’s demographic and sociocultural backgrounds. The study contributes to urban planning and heritage conservation by emphasising the need for strategies that align with residents’ perceptions and priorities, ensuring the preservation of the city’s physical and emotional landscapes.