Abstract

The transformation of the urban horizon shows a heterotropical fragmentation which is a transverse phenomenon. Some parts of the city are showing new combinations of functions and populations: these are simply juxtaposed, with neither contacts nor communications. While some places/populations are losing functions, suffering economic changes and weakening the sociability skills, some others are more widely connected elsewhere. Marginalisation processes may be found all over the city. Old suburbs and new critical areas can be mentioned as ‘sensitive areas’, far beyond their geographical position on the city map. The studies carried out indicate that sensitive areas in the city are very interesting points of view in order to observe and understand the social changes and trends of contemporary development processes.

Key words: Global connections, urban life, dislocation, heterotopical, crisis of sociability, spirals of abandonment.