Between visible and perceived: combining 3D analysis and place attachment to investigate the perception of heritage landmarks

The intricate relationship between Cultural Heritage, Landscapes, Cultural Identities, and Local Communities requires a deeply interdisciplinary approach. By fostering a sense of place and community, Cultural Heritage strengthens social bonds, enhances well-being, and supports civic engagement. In fact, individual disciplines often struggle to establish a common framework. Thus, this study aims to bridge perception-based methodologies from social psychology and Heritage Studies with spatial approaches from Landscape Studies. The research explores the intersection between the visible and the perceived, recognising it as a crucial factor in cultural identity formation. Additionally, 3D data are examined as a pivotal tool for analyzing these dynamics. This study integrates a quantitative survey assessing Place Attachment, Community Attachment, Historical Place Identity, Place Social Bonding, and Perceived Visibility with 3D visibility analysis to examine the relationship between psychological and spatial dimensions. The findings address key questions on how perceived and physical visibility influence cultural significance, identity formation, and emotional responses to heritage landmarks. This interdisciplinary approach challenges static notions of Heritage by emphasizing its evolving nature, shaped by contemporary societal interactions.