As urbanisation accelerates globally, cities are inevitably confronted with the challenge of maintaining their distinctive identities in the context of rapid development and modernisation. Terroir, as a French term that is often used to describe certain characteristic qualities, unique environment contexts and the specificity of place, it involves many factors and conditions. As the specific conditions of terrain and microclimates impart a unique quality to the wine produced in a given region, so too does a city possess a distinctive character. The culture, geography, history, customs, climate and urban structure of a place establish a city’s identity. The structure, scale, form and density that shape the urban fabric of a city. Thus, urban terroir could also be seen to encompass the elements that contribute to the character of urban spaces. This thesis explores the concept of urban terroir, drawing parallels to the vinicultural terroir in wine production, to understand how local environmental, cultural and historical elements shape the distinctive character of urban spaces by exploring the case studies from the rich terroir regions such as Bordeaux in France and Porto in Portugal. The overarching objective of the research is to examine the extent to which good urbanism, defined as the creation of authentic places imbued with value and meaning, can facilitate the development of places that reflect local culture and encourage social interaction.

Through a combination of case studies, semi-structured interviews and literature reviews, the research investigates how good urbanism—defined as creating places with cultural meaning— can foster authentic places that reflect local culture and encourage social interaction. Key findings highlight that sustaining urban character not only enhances local environments but also supports broader urban development. The research highlights the need for strategic placemaking, community engagement and thoughtful urban planning to balance heritage conservation with economic growth. The thesis indicates valuable recommendations for policymakers and urban planners, advocating for the integration of local cultural narratives and environmental elements in sustainable urban development strategies. The insights gained from this study as a part of the urban terroir and placemaking project, aim to guide future placemaking efforts, enhancing city identity and fostering a deeper sense of place and belonging among residents.