Mind-Sight. The Structure and Social Life of Cities

Why do we lower our gaze when encountering a stranger in the city? This question is posed by Richard Sennett in his study of the history of urban planning. Analyzing a variety of urban objects (from ancient gymnasiums to Turkish baths in New York), as well as works of art (from Renaissance engravings to graffiti in the subway), the author shows how the fear of openness to strangers was formed, how an impenetrable wall was erected between inner and outer life, and how, in connection with this, the physical structure of the city and its architecture changed. In "Mind-Sight", Sennett formulates the principles of the art of openness and sympathy: he demonstrates how to cope with the complexity and diversity of urban existence, how to create a space where one can see another without fear and open oneself to their gaze.