On the Discreteness of Urban Spaces

Abstract

The article aims to show that ancient and medieval cities were characterized by spatial discreteness due to the patriarchal-communal system of land use, closed family life, and strict social and ecclesiastical subordination. Settlements included self-sufficient "microworlds" separated only by auxiliary boundary spaces. There were also relatively large streets and squares, but they were also characterized by spatial isolation. The cities of the New and Modern times began to be conceptualized and formed in a completely different way. They prioritized the development of the spatial framework of state importance. Private spaces became secondary and were reduced to a minimum. The metamorphosis occurred under the sign of the struggle against fragmentation and "loose" urban fabric in the name of achieving its maximum possible volume-planning and compositional-stylistic integrity. The author concludes that it is advisable to return to a more traditional and moderate system of spatial structurization of the modern city.