Reinvigorating cultural meaning through spatial experience: A triadic model for place-based architectural learning

Amal Fadhil; Hoda A.S. Al-Alwan

doi:10.31648/aspal.12004

Published: 2026-06-24

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2026)

Reinvigorating cultural meaning through spatial experience: A triadic model for place-based architectural learning

Amal Fadhil

, Hoda A.S. Al-Alwan

Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.12004

Abstract

Historical cultural environments are a repository of values and symbols that pass down across generations through spatial experiences. Despite their intellectual and cultural potential, their role in fostering belonging and identity has declined; they are often viewed as silent landmarks, isolated from lived experiences. This highlights the need for an integrated model that makes spatial experience a stimulating process for reinvigorating the meaning inherent in historical contexts and reconnecting the new generation with their cultural roots. This research aims to explore how cultural meaning in historical contexts can be reactivated through spatial experience. To achieve this, the study proposes a triadic model – physical encounter (PE), emotional connection (EC), and imaginative projection (IP) – as a framework. The study adopted a qualitative approach that explores a learning experience consisting of two interactive phases, one within a historical and cultural context, preceded by a formal educational environment, to track the transformations of the interpretive patterns. Students from the Department of Architecture are involved in this process, producing visual storytelling outputs analyzed by ‘MAXQDA Analytics Pro’. The results indicate that spatial experience enhanced spatial awareness and deepened their emotional response by transforming sensory impressions into symbolic meanings. Comparative pre-post analysis showed that after the on-site immersion, more spatial awareness (SA), atmospheric response (AR), symbolic meaning (SM), and transformative visualization (TV) became intensified, indicating more intense experience. Emotional Connection was a mediating dimension between embodied perception and imaginative reinterpretation, and transition of learning was realized through a multidimensional and not a linear process. Imagination contributed as a dynamic dimension, shifting towards context-rooted visualization. The research provides an interpretive framework that demonstrates how spatial experience can be transformed into a means of reinvigorating cultural meaning and enhancing awareness of identity. The triadic model represents an effective tool in education and training.

Keywords:

spatial experience, cultural meaning, place-based learning, architectural sketching, Al-Madrasah Al-Mustansiriya, MAXQDA analysis

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Fadhil, A., & Al-Alwan, H. A. (2026). Reinvigorating cultural meaning through spatial experience: A triadic model for place-based architectural learning. Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Administratio Locorum, 25(2), 271–297. https://doi.org/10.31648/aspal.12004

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Amal Fadhil

amal.fadhil@coeng.uobaghdad.edu.iq
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1469-4958

Affiliation:

University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Lecturer Amal Fadhil

Faculty member of Architectural Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Baghdad. Obtained the BSc. and MSc. degrees in Architectural Engineering from the University of Baghdad in 2006 and 2015, respectively. Currently a PhD candidate in Architectural Engineering at the University of Baghdad, specializing in place-based learning and spatial experience in cultural and historical contexts. Her research interests focus on architectural education, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.

Hoda A.S. Al-Alwan

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9062-9640

Affiliation:

University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Prof. Dr. Hoda A.S. Al-Alwan

Faculty member of Architectural Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Baghdad. Graduated from University of Baghdad. Obtained MSc degree in Architecture, and PhD degree in Architectural Psychophysics from University of Baghdad. She has conducted extensive research in the fields of 'Architecture and Environment, Urban Design, Environmental Psychology, Sustainable Architecture and Urban Development', advancing knowledge and practice in these areas. She has authored numerous publications in both international and local architectural journals.