Public Space: The Critical Connection in a Sometimes Lonely City is a reflective exploration of how urban environments shape human connection, belonging, and mental well-being. Written by Candice Siyun Ji as part of the Harvard Graduate School of Design Class of 2023, the article examines how public spaces can act as vital social infrastructure in increasingly isolated cities. Through personal insight and spatial analysis, Ji argues that parks, plazas, and community hubs are more than aesthetic or recreational assets — they are essential connectors that counter loneliness, build empathy, and foster inclusive urban life.
Drawing on examples of participatory design, cultural expression, and shared experience, Ji invites readers to reconsider how the built environment can nurture emotional resilience. The piece highlights the transformative power of thoughtful urban design to rebuild social fabric and restore human connection in the modern city. Public Space: The Critical Connection in a Sometimes Lonely City serves as both a critique and a call to action — urging urban planners and community leaders to design for care, connection, and collective belonging.
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