Place-Based Design: A Developmental Identity and a Sustainable Future

In a world leaning toward uniformity due to globalization, the importance of local distinctiveness in building sustainable economies has never been greater. This is where the concept of a place-based economy emerges—a model that focuses on investing in the unique cultural, geographic, and social resources of each region. Within this framework, design becomes a powerful tool—not merely for aesthetics, but for development and reinforcing both economic and cultural identity.

What Is a Place-Based Economy?

A place-based economy is a developmental model that emphasizes the unique assets of a particular area—whether cultural heritage, natural landscapes, or local knowledge. Rather than adopting one-size-fits-all global models, this approach empowers communities to build initiatives grounded in the essence of their surroundings.

The Role of Design in Activating This Economy

Design plays a strategic role in driving place-based economies by:

• Transforming local characteristics into distinctive products that reflect surrounding culture and environment.
• Designing public spaces and tourism projects to enhance visitor experiences and deepen their connection with the story of the place.
• Creating cohesive visual identities that embody the spirit of the place and promote it both locally and internationally.

Practical Examples

• AlUla, Saudi Arabia: Design was used to preserve Nabataean heritage and transform the region into a global hub for culture and tourism.
• Fes, Morocco: Traditional crafts were revived through contemporary design, increasing their market value and improving artisan income.
• European cities like Bilbao and Copenhagen: Urban design was used to drive major economic shifts, anchored in the local identity.

When Experience Shapes Identity

At the heart of effective design is a deep understanding of user experience—which goes beyond comfort and function to include emotional and cultural impressions. When user experience aligns with a place-based economy, design becomes a means to foster authentic interaction with local identity. This might include digital platforms that reflect heritage or architectural layouts that narrate a place’s history.

Example:
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport is a prime example of cultural embodiment through design. Its central mosque features a hexagonal layout and a grand dome inscribed with verses from the Qur’an, creating a spiritual focal point. The 81-meter control tower, mirroring the same architectural spirit, offers panoramic views stretching to the edges of the Tuwaiq mountains.

This integrated design approach blends cultural identity with economic and touristic value, deepening visitors’ emotional connection with the place and turning their journey into a memorable cultural experience.

Opportunities and Challenges in Advancing a Place-Based Economy

Conclusion

In the context of a place-based economy, design goes far beyond surface-level beauty. It becomes a strategic tool for sustainable development. By linking identity with creativity, communities can evolve into thriving economic models that honor their past while innovating for their future.