The lack of human presence in urban environments is a contemporary issue derived by the epidemic situation we are currently experiencing. One of its most tangible effects is represented by the vast void left in our cities, which used to be devoted to human activity and are now temporarily frozen. The paper is a reflection upon the increasing takeover by nature of the contemporary urban scenario. By analysing the current conditions, the research also questions how the role of spatial design could be reshaped by the virus era.