ABSTRACT
Home is defined as a haven in the turbulent seas of urban life (Appleyard 1970). It embodies the familiar, a place where residents are comfortable and feel at ease. Home anchors place identity by providing a locale perceived as “ours” that acts as a symbol of self (Marcus 1976; Marcus 1997). Thus, a home is not simply a place to live, but encompasses a wide variety of personal concerns such as aspirations, motivations, and values, as well as physical well-being and lifestyle choices (Hayward 1975; Feldman 1990). The emotions associated with this concept of home are predominantly positive including feelings of love, warmth, trust, and understanding combined with comfort, relaxation, and security. Home, however, is also a defended place, even a fortified castle, where residents retreat from the outside world (Ladd 1977, Fried 2000).
