Spaces of solitude: people and places in deadened cities

According to the systematic approach, solitude corresponds to a lack of communication between a singular system (a human being) and its surroundings (be they another human being, society, or space). Taking this definition axiomatically, the following hypotheses and the main thesis may be formed: solitude can be studied through our relation with space and built environment; solitude is a condition capable of disconnecting us with our surroundings; solitude can either depreciate or give value to the way we experience and interact with our surroundings; solitude can either be enforced and depreciated, or mitigated by our interaction with space, and therefore appreciated. The aim of this research was to investigate if, why, and how this ontological and existential concern may become part of architectural design. The paper investigates spaces of solitude in the deadened cities of the present - cities where the space is temporarily suspended by the ongoing, reciprocal impact of how they are designed and how modern solitude weakens our relation with our surroundings. As a result, a different point of view on the relationship between the individual and space applicable for public space design, risk mitigation strategies, and strategies for urban development. It can be considered a tool for minimising the vulnerability and improving the resilience of built environments, and empowering people who live between buildings in order to become the real users and owners of their urban territory