Exploring the process of neighborhood attachment among children; study of Golsar ‎neighborhood in Rasht city applying resident employed photography (REP)‎

The existence of a positive relation with one’s neighborhood can lead to higher levels of psychological and physical health. In fact, reviving the role of neighborhoods and the promotion of its status in the residents’ life require a deep understanding of person-neighborhood relations. Due to the importance of neighborhoods in shaping place identity among children and fostering next generations, this paper sought to study the process of neighborhood attachment among this social group. This study utilized qualitative techniques to gather the data. To this end, Resident Employed Photography was applied to explore neighborhood meanings among children. After taking pictures, they provided descriptions about the reasons for capturing their favorite photo in an individual in-depth interview. They were also asked to mention different aspects of their living in the neighborhoodduring the interview. The results of the study show that playing, nature, neighborhood services, and neighborhood landscape are the main elements in neighborhood attachment model among children. It can also be stated that social and physical dimensions of place meanings are intertwined in these context and cannot be separated. Thus, urban plans should help in engaging children with both physical and social dimensions of urban neighborhoods. Preserving and revitalizing the concept of neighborhood in Iranian cities depends on how children in different cities experience and live this concept.