The Role of Authenticity, Involvement and Interaction in Place Attachment at Adaptive Reuse Cafés

Abstract

This research aims to analyze authenticity, involvement, and interaction in place attachment at adaptive reuse cafés in commercial historic areas with nostalgia as a variable mediator. The methods employs a mixed method, sequential exploratory design integrating the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The first qualitative stage is carried out with a focus group discussion to obtain indicators of 12 visitors. The second stage adopts a quantitative survey using a questionnaire distributed to 200 respondents in Surabaya, Indonesia, which was analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that authenticity has an insignificant influence on nostalgia, while involvement and interaction from visitors have a significant influence. Authenticity, nostalgia, as well as involvement and interaction have a significant influence on place attachment. Interesting fact, the role of nostalgia is less effective because this variable is not directly significant to respondents. In conclusion, Authenticity, involvement, and interaction play a vital role in strengthening emotional connections and fostering place attachment in heritage contexts. The role of nostalgia is to evoke emotional memories and associations that foster a sense of familiarity and personal connection. This research supports sustainability, promotes economic growth in historic commercial area, and strengthens local communities.