Tilakohtaisuus

Tilakohtaisuus is a concept used in geography, urban studies, and related social sciences to describe the degree to which a phenomenon is anchored in a specific place and local context. The term combines the Finnish words for space (tila) with notions of locality or contextual relevance, signaling that spatial factors shape meaning, processes, and outcomes.

In practice, tilakohtaisuus refers to the spatial specificity of data, observations, or effects. It emphasizes that the interpretation of results may depend on where they occur, and that place-based conditions such as infrastructure, environment, culture, and governance influence patterns over time. The concept also draws attention to how different spatial scales—from streets to regions—affect phenomena and their generalizability.

Methodologically, addressing tilakohtaisuus often involves spatial analysis, georeferencing, and place-based research methods. Researchers may combine quantitative techniques (GIS mapping, spatial statistics) with qualitative approaches (field observations, interviews) to capture how space interacts with social and material factors. This includes recognizing heterogeneity between places and avoiding the erasure of local specificity in broader theories.

Applications of tilakohtaisuus appear in urban planning, regional development, environmental management, and cultural studies, where understanding place-specific conditions can guide policy, design, and interpretation. While the concept highlights the importance of locality, it also raises methodological considerations about transferability and the ethical representation of spaces and communities.