Tranquillity amidst the bustle
Positive solitude and public open space design in high-density urban contexts
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10863802 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Xia Bi (0000-0002-2337-3964, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong), Yishui Fang (0009-0004-5570-8433, Waseda University), Cédric Villani (0000-0003-4941-7379, University College Dublin), Izzy Yi Jian (0000-0001-7957-3546, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong), Ka Yan Leung (0009-0006-6684-2675, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong), Kin Wai Michael Siu (0000-0002-9820-8576, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 59-75 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Urban Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0042-0980 • E-ISSN: 1360-063X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00420980251338151 |
| OpenAlex | W4411740621 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 33 |
The prevailing paradigm in urban public open space (POS) design emphasises fostering social interaction; it overlooks the equally critical need for urban solitude, secrecy and privacy. In this study, we aim to address this gap by contextualising positive solitude (PS) in POSs within high-density urban environments and examining the spatial conditions that shape these experiences, using Hong Kong as a case study. Empirical research methods, including behavioural mapping and on-site participant observation, are used to investigate four POSs in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon City and Kwai Tsing. Through a comprehensive analysis of the role, function and utilisation of POSs, this research elucidates residents’ perceptions and practices of solitary space use, revealing that a significant proportion of Hong Kong POS users actively visit and utilise these spaces alone. Our analysis of how the physical and social characteristics of these spaces support PS experiences sheds light on the complex interplay between urban design elements and the fulfilment of residents’ solitude needs. This research provides an in-depth understanding of PS in a crowded urban setting, advocating for developing evidence-based POS design guidelines that consider appropriate support for PS behaviours and activities. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader goal of creating more liveable and psychologically supportive urban environments, particularly in the context of high-density cities
Advertising · Aesthetics · Architectural engineering · Art · Business · Cognitive psychology · Environmental planning · Geography · Public park · Public space · Regional science · Sociology · Solitude · Space (punctuation) · Tranquillity · Urban space · Computer Science · Engineering · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Psychology · Urban Design and Spatial Analysis · Urban Green Space and Health
The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Solitude Experiences
Principles for public space design, planning to do better
Seeking more solitude
The Burnout Society
Definitions of Solitude in Everyday Life
The Definition and Categories of Positive Solitude
The solitary side of life
By myself and liking it? Predictors of distinct types of solitude experiences in daily life
Making Vulnerability Invisible
Pedestrianised streets in the global neoliberal city
Inclusive public open space for all
Affinity for Solitude and Motivations for Spending Time Alone Among Early and Mid- Adolescents
By yourself, yet not alone
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Doing Sensory Ethnography
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |