Integrating place attachment, identity, and dependence in the spatial design of heritage sites: a systematic literature review

Purpose This study aims to clarify the multidimensional relationships among place attachment (PA), place identity (PI), and place dependence (PD) in heritage spatial design. Despite growing attention to emotional connections in heritage settings, the mechanisms by which spatial features shape PA—particularly through PI and PD—remain conceptually fragmented and lack an integrative spatial design perspective. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Beginning with a larger sample of literature, a final total of 64 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science were analyzed to examine the research status, methodological approaches, and interrelations of place attachment, place identity, and place dependence in heritage contexts, with particular attention to their spatial design implications. Findings The findings suggest that PA emerges from both symbolic and functional attachments, rooted in PI and PD, respectively. Social (intangible) and physical (tangible) spatial features contribute to these pathways through users’ perceived meanings of space. Rather than functioning independently, symbolic and functional mechanisms interact dynamically—mediated by perceived meaning—to shape attachment in heritage sites where cultural memory, emotional resonance, and spatial usability converge. Originality/value This study introduces a dual-pathway framework that explains how spatial design features influence PA via symbolic (PI) and functional (PD) mechanisms. By integrating perceived meaning as a mediating cognitive process, the framework enhances understanding of how heritage spatial design can foster inclusive, enduring, and emotionally meaningful environments, offering both theoretical insight and practical guidance for sustainable heritage planning.