Our daily life is invaded and filled by the structures of human artifice.

To believe that we are capable of escape, we create in our public spaces small, intimate spheres for ourselves. Over these, we become guardians.

This is how we form small, artificial worlds that allow us to weigh, just a little, against the overwhelming common structures that surround us.

—Sylvain Biard

Editors’ note: This enigmatic yet strangely enticing photography essay was given the 3rd place, Series award in the LensCulture Street Photography Awards 2016. Discover more inspiring work from all the winners, jurors’ picks and finalists as well as single images from the jury’s Top 100 highly rated entries.