VIRTUAL Lisbon Livable Cities

Abstract

Towards the end of February 2020, as part of the fight against coronavirus, a regional closure was imposed in Italy. Closed in their homes, isolated from others, the Italians broke the boundaries of private space and burst into song from their balconies. The social outing to the balcony has taken various forms worldwide, such as joint yoga classes and organized lighting of mobile phones. At dusk, thousands of balconies were seen for a moment as lighted podiums hovering in the air; strangers attended a social event from their private space and momentarily became a part of something bigger than themselves and turned the balcony into a “public space […] a place we share with strangers”. The study will show that people find new ways to reshape city spaces, and their action preserves and updates livability. Livable urban spaces are essential for fostering positive social interactions among inhabitants. This role was traditionally associated with public spaces. However, by examining the use of the urban balcony in Tel Aviv during the Corona era, the study aims to reframe the public-private spaces dichotomy. The research will show how the private balcony was redesigned by its users while their inability to occupy public spaces. Using qualitative methods, we will analyze how the balcony expands its range in different ways. Paradoxically, the private balcony allows individuals to preserve and regain not only the physical existence of the public space but also its theoretical meanings, especially the sense of belonging achieved through it. Along with these revelations, the familiar anonymity of urban life has morphed into belonging. Our findings suggest that private spaces can be reimagined to serve public functions, thereby enhancing the overall livability of the city.