Study on the Construction and Inheritance of Rural Models in Shaanxi North from the Perspective of Human-Land Emotional Bonds

Abstract

The unique loess landforms of Northern Shaanxi, China, foster a profound emotional connection between residents and their land, termed “place attachment,” which denotes a strong bond between people and their environment. Rural construction faces challenges like the loss of indigenous architectural techniques, leading to inefficient and unattractive spaces, particularly due to neglect of local culture and emotional needs. This study emphasizes understanding human-land emotional relationships to address these issues while preserving traditional rural spatial patterns. It explores motivations behind rural spatial construction in Northern Shaanxi, focusing on resident-environment emotional ties. Through interviews, surveys, and analysis, it identifies cultural meanings and emotional needs tied to spatial features. Using qualitative methods, the study constructs a knowledge map of human-land emotional connections, integrating PPGIS and spatial narratives to propose empathetic, inclusive rural development strategies that honor local place identity.