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Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities
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Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities

A special issue of Arts (ISSN 2076-0752).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 7285

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maciej Lasocki

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-659 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: public realm design; spatial composition; pedestrian traffic; participatory planning; cultural influence on spatial management; ICT and new media technologies in urban design and education; interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, urban planners, sociologists, journalists, the environment, and computer specialists
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Martina Koll-Schretzenmayr

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Guest Editor
Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
Interests: urban transformation; planning history; participatory planning and community involvement; planning pedagogy; organizing multimedia exhibitions that address the public and involve planning students so they can build their capacity to communicate
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Antonella Contin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Architecture and Urban Studies (DAStU), School Of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: methods and metropolitan dimension design strategies; urban sets and landscapes; metropolitan discipline; territorial development; new approaches to mapping; metropolitan landscapes images
Dr. Claudia Westermann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Architecture, Design School, Xi’an Jiatong-Liverpool University, Suzhou 215000, China
Interests: architecture; art; second-order cybernetics; design; philosophy of art and aesthetics; comparative aesthetics; continental philosophy; Chinese philosophy; philosophy of science and technology; design research; inter-disciplinary projects concerned with the ecologies, poetics, technologies, and philosophies of art and architectural design
Dr. Aura Luciana Istrate

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
Interests: urban design in emerging contexts; public participation and co-creation; serious games; geospatial analyses for planning purposes; active mobility; nature-based solutions in cities
Dr. Álvaro Clua Uceda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratori d'Urbanisme de Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
Interests: urban design; public spaces; visual interaction analysis of urban spaces; interactions between urban planning and building typology; application of research by design to the study of urbanism; urban productive landscapes; transformation of industrial landscapes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We live in a rapidly changing world. Visual change only reflects the intrinsic process of the social and economic evolution of ideas, philosophies, and fashions, though the latter is what an ordinary observer notices as the first signal of change. So, the space “becomes” the way we “are”. Additionally, and conversely, the aesthetics of the environment in which we live are probably the most unconsciously influential determinant of our wellbeing. Thus, we would like to describe the beauty and grotesqueness of our cities through the eyes of artists, who “can feel more”. We would like to recognize alterations to our sense of beauty from the cityscapes we experience every day. As the cityscape becomes our dominant visual environment, we should focus on all dimensions of urban aesthetics. How does the appearance of the urban environment shape our attitudes towards our society, its heritage, the surrounding nature, and the technology we use?

This issue should remind us that the spiritual aura radiating from the cityscape is no less important than any elation experienced in museums and art galleries. So, do we care about the appearance of our cities? Are they fresh and healthy? Do they deserve cosmeticizing?

Manuscripts submitted to this Special Issue can be theoretical or applied; can be state-of-the-science reviews or individual case studies; and may refer to details or to the cityscape as a whole. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • The evolving aesthetics of our living environment;
  • The perception of aesthetics among different groups in society;
  • The meaning of beauty in an urban context;
  • The influence of aesthetics on human wellbeing and behaviors;
  • Different philosophical approaches to urban aesthetics;
  • Heritage preservation in cityscapes;
  • Experiments in shaping the image of the future city.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Maciej Lasocki
Dr. Martina Koll-Schretzenmayr
Dr. Antonella Contin
Dr. Claudia Westermann
Dr. Aura Luciana Istrate
Dr. Álvaro Clua Uceda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Arts is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • landscapes of urban spaces
  • public realm aesthetics
  • aesthetics in the urban context
  • street art
  • aesthetics perception

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 5403 KiB  
Article
The Concept of Demonstrating Non-Existent Architecture Using Light Projection
by Maciej Piekarski, Ewa Kulpińska, Krzysztof Baran and Henryk Wachta
Arts 2025, 14(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14020035 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 431
Abstract
This article covers the subject of illusory exposure of non-existent architectural objects in their original location. The authors believe that this specific conservation method is a way to disseminate knowledge about the past architectural landscape and thus to increase the identity of cities [...] Read more.
This article covers the subject of illusory exposure of non-existent architectural objects in their original location. The authors believe that this specific conservation method is a way to disseminate knowledge about the past architectural landscape and thus to increase the identity of cities and their inhabitants. The concept refers to augmented reality, but the authors use only analog optical means to visualize the virtual component. The visualization consists of projecting the object onto the walls of buildings and the ground. In order to preserve their intact condition, light projection is used. The image creates the illusion of three-dimensionality if it is perceived from the center of the projection. After a preliminary analysis of the available means of light expression, this article presents the results of this research. In the first stage, a simple geometric model was visualized using various techniques in order to evaluate them and select the optimal one. In the second stage, a virtual visualization of a specific architectural object was created. Its form and location were established based on the analysis of historical iconographic material and reports from archaeological works. The influence of local conditions on the practical possibilities of light projection was taken into account. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities)
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29 pages, 8198 KiB  
Article
The Role of Tall Buildings in Sustainable Urban Composition—The Case of Hanza Tower in Szczecin (Poland)
by Zbigniew Władysław Paszkowski, Klara Czyńska and Natalia Emilia Paszkowska-Kaczmarek
Arts 2025, 14(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14020030 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 703
Abstract
Tall buildings are a unique category of architectural objects, as they are characterized by a strong self-presentation effect and have a significant visual impact on the urban composition and the surrounding cityscape. This contextual impact has a one-way character—it is directed from the [...] Read more.
Tall buildings are a unique category of architectural objects, as they are characterized by a strong self-presentation effect and have a significant visual impact on the urban composition and the surrounding cityscape. This contextual impact has a one-way character—it is directed from the tall building to its surroundings, the neighborhood, the entire urban area, and the landscape. The context of the surroundings generally has no effect on tall buildings. Tall buildings are usually solitary structures, focused on their own composition. Conversely, the impact of a tall building is multifaceted: it is symbolic, iconic, and compositional, in the sense that it is a ‘strong’ form that draws attention to itself. This study analyzes and evaluates the case of the Hanza Tower, a tall building in Szczecin, and its impact on the city of Szczecin in terms of urban, architectural, and historical contexts, as well as its location in relation to its surroundings. In this case, the authors have considered the spatial and cityscape impact of skyscrapers when viewed from a distance, as well as the role a skyscraper plays in terms of its symbolic, contextual, and compositional significance within the city. Attention is drawn to the sustainable correlation of the placement of the tall building with the spatial composition of the city layout to make its overall structure legible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities)
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13 pages, 5046 KiB  
Article
The Uncertainty of Tomorrow in Art on the “Eve” of War
by Rafał Blazy, Hanna Hrehorowicz-Gaber and Alicja Hrehorowicz-Nowak
Arts 2025, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14010014 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 561
Abstract
Intuitive reasoning is a fundamental aspect of both the creation and interpretation of art. It allows artists to express their deepest emotions and subconscious thoughts, leading to works that can evoke strong reactions in viewers. For those who interpret art, intuition enables a [...] Read more.
Intuitive reasoning is a fundamental aspect of both the creation and interpretation of art. It allows artists to express their deepest emotions and subconscious thoughts, leading to works that can evoke strong reactions in viewers. For those who interpret art, intuition enables a direct and holistic understanding that goes beyond analytical fragmentation, allowing for a more personal and profound engagement with the work of art. Academic research conducted on the works of Polish and Ukrainian students has shown that art in times of unrest reflects deeply hidden emotions. The works of students from Zaporizhzhia collected less than a week before the armed invasion of Ukraine in 2022 indicated national sentiments, fears, and premonitions that were absent from the works of Polish students. The armed conflict with Russia, which has been ongoing since 2014, has strengthened the sense of national identity and patriotism among Ukrainian youth. A comparison of the perspectives of Polish and Ukrainian youth shows differences resulting from direct experience of the conflict and the influence of media, education, and politics on their perception. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities)
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25 pages, 17572 KiB  
Article
Urban Canvas in Motion: The Role of Kinetic and Media Facades in Urban Space Design
by Karolina Dąbrowska-Żółtak and Anna Szalwa
Arts 2025, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14010006 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1408
Abstract
New technologies and urban expansion have made it increasingly important for architects to incorporate movement into building facades, using a variety of artistic methods. This study explores the use of movable and movable-like solutions on urban elevations, ranging from visual effects to advanced [...] Read more.
New technologies and urban expansion have made it increasingly important for architects to incorporate movement into building facades, using a variety of artistic methods. This study explores the use of movable and movable-like solutions on urban elevations, ranging from visual effects to advanced technologies enabling physical movement. Case studies demonstrate different approaches to incorporating movement in building exteriors and their goals. This study considered how these solutions impact urban aesthetics, functionality, and energy efficiency. The research methods used include visual analysis, a literature review, and technological analysis of the kinetic systems used. The results show that movement at elevations can be achieved using various tools and can affect energy efficiency and building layout, in addition to having visual impacts. This study concluded that it is important to integrate new technologies into urban design and called for further research into the long-term impacts of changeable elevations on the urban environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities)
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18 pages, 6456 KiB  
Article
The City of Muses Project: Creating a Vibrant and Sensual Metropolitan Landscape through Architecture
by Antonella Contin
Arts 2023, 12(5), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts12050207 - 22 Sep 2023
Viewed by 2219
Abstract
The Metropolitan Architecture Project aims to create an artistic metropolitan landscape, which captivates visitors. It focuses on the relationship between the form’s image and the surrounding context, emphasising the structural image in architectural design. The project draws inspiration from the City of Muses [...] Read more.
The Metropolitan Architecture Project aims to create an artistic metropolitan landscape, which captivates visitors. It focuses on the relationship between the form’s image and the surrounding context, emphasising the structural image in architectural design. The project draws inspiration from the City of Muses Project, incorporating a symbolic mediator as a propeller, which represents the connection with the contemporary society’s cultural symbols and bridges the gap between the past, present and future. The methods employed in the Metropolitan Architecture Project involve integrating artistic elements into the metropolitan landscape. This includes incorporating the symbolic mediator and designing the structural image to interact harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The project has successfully introduced a new type of built form characterised by a relational figure and a vibrant and sensual image. By embracing this approach, the architectural design actively engages with the environment and enhances the overall architectural experience. The Metropolitan Architecture Project demonstrates the significance of incorporating an artistic dimension in creating a metropolitan landscape. The project achieves a captivating and interactive architectural design by considering the dynamic relationship between the form, context and structure. This understanding of architecture contributes to a deeper comprehension of the society which constructs it, resulting in a rich and engaging architectural experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aesthetics in Contemporary Cities)
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