Seamon, David2017-04-072017-04-07http://hdl.handle.net/2097/35311Citation: Seamon, D. (2015). Understanding place holistically: Cities, synergistic relationality, and space syntax. The Journal of Space Syntax,6(1), 19-33. http://joss.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/journal/index.php/joss/article/view/246This article discusses two contrasting conceptual understandings of place. The approach of analytic relationality interprets places as sets of interconnected parts and their relationships. In contrast, synergistic relationality interprets places as integrated, generative fields, the parts of which are only parts as they both sustain and are sustained by the constitution and dynamism of the particular place as a whole. This article presents one interpretation of place as synergistic relationality by describing six interrelated, generative processes: place interaction, place identity, place release, place realization, place creation, and place intensification. The article considers how concepts and principles relating to space syntax contribute to understanding places as synergistic relationality broadly; and to understanding the six place processes specifically.© 2015 Seamon. Third parties have the rights to distribute the articles in a non-systemic manner, and make use of the articles in teaching, education, and any other context providing that proper acknowledgement is given to JOSS as a source. Uploading to websites, databases, or repositories (and similar platforms) are here considered as systemic distribution, and it remains the right of the author(s) and JOSS. However, course websites with access limited to course participants are not. Therefore sharing material for educational purposes through online course platforms is allowed providing access is limited to course participants. Any other form of distribution or reproduction requires the consent of the authors and JOSS.Holistic sciencePhenomenology of placePlaceRelational ontologiesRelationalitySpace syntaxArticle