The importance of environmental and visual-aesthetic quality of cities

“A city is a great work of art that has creators as large as its size and population”.

Christopher Alexander

Beauty and beautification in architecture and urban planning is considered as a science and art, and neither countries nor cities can ignore it as human health condition is somehow dependent on the quality of urban space. Therefore, "urban space quality" means "combination of open and enclosed spaces" in a way that is pleasant in terms of "function and beauty". Just as we care about home design and decoration, urban spaces also need cultural, artistic and identity elements for the peace and vitality of the citizens.

The quality of public urban areas is the most important factor in evaluation of cities and urban environments, and the fact is that people judge it based on the quality of what they have already seen and experienced around them. Therefore, the city does not only include the buildings, but also the space between the buildings, alley, square, green space, different land uses and the presence of people that form the existence of city. The face of city is like a museum or gallery that exhibits diverse works of people and the landscape of history and culture. It is human civilization. Nowadays, cities compete over trying to be more beautiful, efficient and presenting a valuable identity to attract global attention, tourists and the capital and talent.

The success of cities in local and intercity competitions is depending on their ability to present an attractive image of themselves. Urban areas and spaces, as key factors, are of high importance in the structure of urban competition; therefore, the basic problem of today's vast and complex urban areas is establishing "pleasant and satisfying sensory connection" with the urban environment. While our old architecture style is full of adornment and detail that contain thousands of ideas and creativity, interior decoration and tiling with their special proportion and colors, alongside with inner body, it evokes a mysterious atmosphere and has preserved its value so far.