Integrating Mongolian Culture in Urban Square Design: A Literature Review on Cultural Identity and User Engagement
Abstract
Urban squares play a crucial role in representing culture, fostering social interaction, and reinforcing cultural identity. In Baotou, Inner Mongolia, urban squares rarely reflect Mongolian culture, leading to a diminished sense of cultural identity and less visitor engagement. This paper examines ways to bolster cultural identity and improve user interaction by integrating Mongolian cultural elements into the design of urban squares. Leveraging the Cultural Identity Theory (CIT) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this research investigates users’ psychological and behavioural reactions to culturally enriched public spaces. A thematic literature synthesis highlights key factors that engage users: emotional responses, cultural identification, and perceived behavioural control. The results reveal that cultural authenticity is vital for fostering a sense of belonging, enhancing user satisfaction, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of culture. Theoretically, this study contributes to urban planning literature by merging CIT and TPB. Practically, it provides insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers on crafting inclusive and culturally dynamic public spaces. This synthesis of TPB and CIT creates a unique theoretical framework in which CIT clarifies how cultural symbols shape identity and a sense of belonging, while TPB predicts how psychological constructs translate into active participation. Integrating these two models enriches the current understanding of user engagement within culturally rich urban environments.
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