A Systemic Approach to Proximity Through Design for Relations

Proximity has lately become a keyword to approach territorial enhancement goals. The most common representation of proximity at the urban level is the idea of the 15-minute city, which has gained massive attention in political, economic, social, and academic discourses. However, this idea is not new in the worldwide panorama and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, has gained renovate attention because of contextual extraordinaire conditions. Furthermore, under so-called normal circumstances, this concept of proximity has certain evident societal constraints. In our paper, we want to propose and discuss a wider systemic approach and consequent definitions of proximity in connection with the different actors that compose and drive our societies. In the design for relations, we will identify a systemic and valuable strategy to overcome the previously discussed limits.