The Region, the Town and the Heritage: Functional Linkages on the Perspective of Individuals’ Social Practices

Abstract

This paper examines how improvements in regional transport infrastructure expand individual choices for living, working, recreation, and civic participation, thereby reshaping urban milieus and affecting heritage sites. It develops a model linking region, town, and heritage through the lens of individuals’ social practices. The framework assumes that social and physical structures both constrain and enable activities, while needs and desires depend on individual, social, and physical conditions. Based on in-depth interviews, three personas were created to represent each system and illustrate their practices. The model is tested in Sweden’s Mälardalen Region, using Mariefred as the town and Gripsholm Castle as the heritage site. Results suggest that the model effectively captures functional linkages between regional integration, urban life, and heritage, offering insights for planning and preservation.