The Value of Current Sense of Place in Architectural Heritage Studies: A Systematic Review

Architectural heritage, as a product of historical evolution and a symbol of national culture, has long been a major focus of academic inquiry. However, due to the different economic and political foundations of many countries, research on sense of place and architectural history is frequently influenced by underlying paradigms, restricting the diversity of study viewpoints. Based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist and process, this study conducted a rigorous selection and systematic analysis of 260 relevant papers published between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 23 representative studies that delve into the most recent academic perspectives on the relationship between sense of place and architectural heritage. This study adopts the scientometric method to systematically analyze the publication time, country, research method, research direction, and key concepts of the papers; at the same time, it applies the method of thematic analysis to systematically analyze and describe the research dimensions, research functions, and research values in the field, aiming to provide a broader international academic perspective and theoretical references for future researchers. The research results show that sense of place has a positive impact on architectural heritage, creating memory, sense of belonging, and place attachment; enhancing place and cultural identity; and promoting the role of placemaking. In addition, architectural history not only contributes to the sustainable development of cities but also supports local branding, which is essential for the formation and preservation of urban identity. Currently, research in this field is more active in developing countries, and the study of sense of place and built heritage is dominated by architectural and qualitative research, lacking a multidisciplinary perspective and objective data analysis. Future research should strengthen the integration of multiple disciplines, optimize research methods, and further deepen academic exploration.