Viewed from above, towns and villages present a fresh perspective on everyday life and a heightened sense of the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world

Many have jaunty facades, others pitched roofs. Some have clay tiles, others winding stairwells offering routes to the summit. What is universal to all rooftops is the power of a clandestine space, where everyday burdens are left on the ground and freedom and mischief are reclaimed.

A rooftop is an intriguing in-between space, unrestrained by purpose and unobserved by the world below. It demands no single activity yet nothing is strictly forbidden, either.

Whether it’s peeking out between railings, dancing a slow waltz with a partner or snapping photos by the dozen, this space is captivating because of its private liberation. No longer is there a requirement to perform for other people, garner attention or submit to other powers. True solitude can be found here.

When considering why people may crave seclusion, clinical and forensic psychologist and Breathe contributor Ahona Guha says: ‘Solitude is essential for processing and any form of psychic growth. People process things differently.

Some like and need company as they process difficult things, while others are drawn to solitude.’

Away from the surveillance of the street and embracing the silence up high, rooftops offer a place to retreat during times of stress and unease, which reinforces the appeal of their perceived privacy and anonymity. At the very least, they provide distance from the world, something many crave when times get tough.