Perception of Space and Sense of Place among Elderly Residents of the Solovetsky Village

Sensory-emotional perception of natural-architectural landscape is a collective phenomenon that depends on various factors. The natural and architectural space of the village of Solovetsky is distinguished by territorial isolation (island environment); marine type of natural and climatic conditions; consequences of the relatively late formation of the civilian population; rich religious history; location of special purpose places. In the conditions of the complex system of historical connections and the relative “youth” of the village, the population is in the stage of forming a “sense of place”. The architectural space of the settlement has been transformed many times and has not been characterised by a consistent linear development. Important transformational events were: the history of the monastery and its monastic services, the arrangement of the monastery space for the needs of the Solovetsky special purpose camp and the Solovetsky special purpose prison (19231939), further adaptation of the architectural space for the school of cabin boys and boatswains, a military unit, with subsequent transformation for civil settlement (1944). The transformational stages of architectural space are captured in the modern image of the village, which influences the formation of a “sense of place” among the population. This article examines and analyses the results of a survey of the elderly population of the Solovetsky village, identifying the features and patterns of sensory-emotional perception of space. Particular attention was paid to feelings of beauty, uniqueness, cleanliness, safety and friendliness among older respondents. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening the “sense of place” — the psycho-emotional connection with the place of residence. These recommendations will improve the psycho-emotional climate in the village and the health of elderly residents.