Raj, Aakanchcha2024-07-152024-07-152024-06-21https://hdl.handle.net/1808/35468This research was presented on June 21, 2024 at the 55th Environmental Design Research Association conference, held in Portland, Oregon June 19-22nd.This study explores and comprehends the intricacies of place identity within Wendel Phillips, a Kansas City, Missouri neighborhood established in unjust socio-economic conditions and racial segregation. Place identity embodies the subjective and emotive ties individuals or communities forge with a specific geographic location, encompassing personal meanings, emotions, memories, and symbolic affiliations. These elements significantly shape one's sense of belonging, attachment, and identification with a particular environment, intertwining with the construction of a distinct identity closely linked to the attributes of that place. The research methodology involved qualitative methods, including unstructured interviews, and mapping exercises, engaging 20 residents from diverse age groups (above 18 years old), genders, and residency durations within Wendel Phillips. This comprehensive approach aimed to straighten out how demographic variances influence the perception of identity within a shared environment characterized by similar challenges and aspirations. By amplifying the voices of the community, this study seeks to spotlight multifaceted perspectives, diverse familiarities, and future visions, ultimately proposing inclusive changes. Place identity plays a pivotal role in an individual's self-concept and their connection with the broader world, fostering a profound sense of belonging to a specific place or community. By scrutinizing a spectrum of personal perceptions across different ages and genders within the neighborhood, this research endeavors to reshape the prevailing narrative from suppression to optimism for the future. It emphasizes the profound impact of stories on shaping present perceptions and empowering the potential trajectory of the neighborhood. Recognizing the evolutionary nature of identity with perceptions, this study challenges the subjective essence of place identity. It sheds light on residents proposed future changes, offering a glimpse into transformative pathways within the community. By embracing diverse narratives, this research underlines the dynamic nature of identity within a shared space and the implications for future development. In essence, this study not only unties the complexities of place identity within a marginalized community but also advocates for a more inclusive and empowered future. By acknowledging and amplifying diverse perspectives, it paves the way for understanding the nuanced interplay between individual identities and the environment, envisioning a neighborhood that thrives on collective narratives and inclusive transformations.Copyright 2024 Aakanchcha RajPresentationhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3333-7585openAccess