The 2020s is a decade of connection and isolation. The global pandemic and the dominance of unseen social communication through the internet have increased the emergence of smaller worlds within society. In urban spaces, which at first glance appear to be shared environments, millions of personal worlds coexist. People may feel estranged from the city and others, absorbed in their personal space and unaware of those around them, or just be connected to their thoughts. It may seem at times that individuals in the city choose to be alone, perhaps as a mental or spiritual choice that makes them happier. At other times, people create circles of trust within the hustle and bustle of the city, where connections in their small groups are stronger than ever. These circles may be based on friendship, shared activities, or mutual feelings. Intimacy in communication is often revealed in public areas, making it hard to see a boundary between personal and public space.

This series explores how personal space in urban areas can serve as either a happy refuge or a desperate hideaway.