The urban balcony as the new public space for well-being in times of social distancing

Social distancing measures imposed by authorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic induce reflection on our existence: human presence once providing life in public space has now undermined it altogether. Away from the dystopia of the evacuated public spaces, a playful encouraging prayer against the extinction scenario comes from the Mediterranean urban balcony. This distinctive architectural element should further be explored as the new public space for restoring physical as well as social wellbeing during confinement. Early reflections on reevaluations of the existing/new balcony typologies promoting health in outdoors living seek to instigate a broader knowledge towards solutions and creativity.