What is it about?
While we often talk about "beauty" in cities, it is rarely defined clearly in urban planning. This research explores the multidimensional nature of urban beauty, identifying its various "faces." By bridging the gap between abstract philosophical theories and the way people actually experience the built environment, the study identifies the core dimensions that make an urban space aesthetically successful through both theoretical analysis and empirical data.
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Why is it important?
For decades, urban planning has prioritized functionality and economics, often treating beauty as a "subjective luxury." This paper argues that urban beauty is a fundamental human need that impacts our well-being and connection to the city. By providing a structured, empirical framework to understand and measure beauty, this research offers planners and architects a professional tool to create more livable, attractive, and meaningful urban environments.
Perspectives
As a researcher and lecturer in design, I am passionate about moving the conversation around urban beauty from the realm of "personal taste" to a rigorous, professional framework. I believe that aesthetics should be a core component of urban planning, not an afterthought. This article is part of my ongoing effort to provide planners and architects with the theoretical and empirical tools needed to prioritize beauty as a means of improving the quality of urban life.
Asher Elbaz
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The faces of urban beauty: exploring theoretical and empirical dimensions, Journal of Urban Design, January 2026, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/13574809.2026.2615950.
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