In this article we examine the politics of urban aesthetics and elite‐driven development in African cities through the case of Beautifying Sheger , a high‐profile riverside redevelopment project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Promoted to create a clean, green and globally competitive capital, the project reflects the new ruling party's urban sociotechnical imaginary. Yet beneath this vision lies a contested terrain shaped by aesthetic governance, spatial exclusion and social inequality. In this article, we draw on large‐scale textual analysis of discussions across three online platforms to explore how the public interprets and contests the project. Topic and sentiment modeling reveals divergent public attitudes towards the political, economic, social and physical dimensions of the project, with perceptions shifting in response to emerging national crises, which underscores the fragility of aesthetic legitimacy and the volatility of elite‐led urban visions. Close readings of online discussions further show how top‐down beautification efforts facilitated by state elites, foreign donors and transnational experts often sideline local voices and bypass participatory planning. By situating Beautifying Sheger within broader genealogies of aesthetic politics in the global South, our article contributes to critical debates on urban infrastructure, state power and citizen agency, and calls for more inclusive and context‐sensitive urban design and planning intervention.
El libro aborda una selección de casos a escala arquitectónica y urbanística que fueron proyectados y/o ejecutados en la ciudad de Córdoba entre las décadas de 1920 y 1970. Explorando el carácter problemático y polisémico de las nociones de “moderno”, “modernidad” y “modernización”, los ocho capítulos que conforman la compilación, a cargo de Juan Sebastián Malecki, analizan obras de arquitectura e infraestructura construidas en la capital provincial, así como profesionales y experiencias pedagógicas que fueron clave en el proceso de modernización del campo disciplinar. La publicación constituye un aporte sustancial a la historia de la arquitectura y de la ciudad de mediados del siglo XX, abriendo interrogantes para futuras investigaciones en relación a otros episodios, programas o recortes geográficos.
Architecture, Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
This study examines the role of eco-aesthetics in promoting sustainable urban spaces through the integration of public art within Nigerian cities. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from a quantitative survey (N = 200) and qualitative interviews (n = 30) to investigate how eco-art influences environmental awareness, social engagement, and aesthetic appreciation. Quantitative findings revealed strong positive perceptions of eco-art in enhancing public consciousness about environmental issues, fostering community participation, and reinforcing cultural identity within urban settings. Complementary qualitative insights highlighted that public artworks served as visual reminders of ecological responsibility, platforms for collective dialogue, and catalysts for local pride. Participants emphasized the ability of eco-art installations to merge functionality with creativity, thereby contributing to the beautification of urban spaces while encouraging pro-environmental attitudes. City-level analyses underscored how variations in socio-economic conditions and urban planning policies shaped the perceived impact of eco-art. The study concludes that eco-aesthetic practices hold significant potential for advancing sustainable urban development in Nigeria, provided they are strategically integrated into planning frameworks. These findings contribute to growing discourse on art, sustainability, and urban transformation, offering both theoretical and practical implications for policymakers, urban planners, and artists
This study assessed the impact of the Kaduna State Urban Renewal Programme on the livelihood systems of people. A convenience sampling method was used to administer the structured questionnaire in the three (3) areas currently undergoing this renewal programme. Both Descriptive statistics were used to analyse and summarise the data. Base on a weighted average of 3.019, the results from the data analysis, reports that majority of the respondents appeared to be aware of the Urban Renewal Programme in the Kaduna, Jema’a and Zaria Local Government Areas of Kaduna State probably as a result of the presences of much physical transformation under took by the government such as roads dualization/ construction, infrastructural rehabilitation/ renovations, constructions of fly overs and bridges, street lightening, city beautification and aesthetics. They are aware of the government's compensation plan, administrative planning, and adequate logistics planning, which may be a result of the government's demonstrated readiness. These respondents also have a high perception of the positive impact of the KURP on the education and economy of the inhabitants of these Metropolitan areas, since the dualization/or road expansions and construction are catalysts for reducing travel time, while market modernization and development of shopping malls will boost local economies. The research confirms that urban renewal activities in Kaduna State, while essential for urban development, have significant environmental and social repercussions. These changes adversely affect the livelihood systems of vulnerable populations, leading to socio-economic dislocation and diminished quality of life.
La interacción social se ha transformado significativamente por la omnipresencia en el hogar de dispositivos portátiles conectados a la red. Las plataformas digitales son parte de la vida doméstica y abarcan prácticamente el espectro completo de la actividad humana. Los cambios y las permanencias en las formas de habitar dan cuenta del fenómeno de la digitalización y las implicaciones que tienen las formas de comunicación impuestas en la era de la información sobre las personas. Este trabajo explora la producción y reproducción de nuevos patrones de interacción y modos de habitar desde lo privado, bajo una multiplicidad intergeneracional de conformaciones familiares (solteros, nido completo, nido vacío y madres/padres solteros) que se encuentran en las tres etapas del ciclo de la vida. Los nuevos usos y organizaciones espaciotemporales en el hogar digitalizado están resignificando las dimensiones de corporeidad y contigüidad; ambas cualidades constitutivas para el cuidado del ser y la existencia humana. Como consecuencia, las alteraciones en la proximidad y el aislamiento entre los seres humanos producto de la digitalización exhiben una domesticidad supeditada a la interacción ciberfísica acrítica en el habitar de la tercera década de siglo XXI.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Architectural drawing and design
Abstract Wooden multi-storey construction (WMC) offers an alternative building solution for urban consumers seeking a low-carbon, sustainable lifestyle yet, the literature on consumer experiences in newly constructed WMC-apartments is sparse. This exploratory study develops an understanding about consumer choices with newly built WMC-apartments through thematic interviews of residents and property managers in five cities across Finland and Sweden. Contents analysis reveals that neither building material nor sustainability triggered the residents’ initial interest in the new apartment. Residents found WMC appealing but traditional housing choice criteria (e.g. location, floor plan and affordability) guided the ultimate purchasing decision. Notwithstanding, residents expressed that the newly developed neighbourhoods suffered from limited services but trusted that future long-term development would increase service availability. Wood material was experienced as mainly positive and was assessed together with overall aesthetics, sustainability and durability aspects of the building. Residents trusted that the builders considered the apartment’s sustainability criteria during construction (e.g. material durability and resistance to changing climate conditions).
Este artículo explora la contribución de la arquitecta ítalo-brasileña Lina Bo Bardi para crear un urbanismo más equitativo, inclusivo y sostenible. Tras ofrecer una breve reseña biográfica, el ensayo examina algunos de los temas que influenciaron en la trayectoria de Bo Bardi, como sus provocativas reflexiones sobre el feminismo y su interés y fascinación por el "Brasil profundo" a partir de su estancia en la ciudad de Bahía. El argumento central del trabajo es que, adoptando el Centro de Ocio Fábrica SESC Pompéia como caso de estudio, Bo Bardi desarrolló una concepción distinta y original del proyecto urbano. Distanciándose de los postulados del urbanismo moderno, el pensamiento y el diseño de Bo Bardi se centraron en la activación del espacio público a través de actividades y eventos destinados a fortalecer los lazos comunitarios. Bajo este nuevo paradigma, la noción de "calle" se reinterpreta y cambia continuamente. De manera alternativa o simultánea, las calles del SESC Pompéia pueden funcionar como espacios exteriores e interiores, pasarelas a nivel de suelo y elevadas, terrazas solárium y escenarios para performances. Bo Bardi concibió el SESC Pompéia como una “ciudadela de la libertad,” promoviendo la posibilidad de una experiencia urbana más inclusiva, equitativa, multifuncional e innovadora para todos.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying, Anthropology
With accelerated urbanization and rapid expansion of the urban population, there is an increasing demand among urban residents for urban green spaces (UGS) and the ecosystem services (ES) they provide. The existing research mostly focuses on the spatial pattern of UGS types and ES provided by different UGS but ignores that residents’ preferences for UGS types and their ecological and social services should also be incorporated into the spatial planning decision-making of UGS. A web-based questionnaire was distributed randomly in urban areas of China and 1050 valid samples were collected in this study. Descriptive statistical analysis methods, structural equation modeling, and Pearson correlation were used to parse the residents’ preference for both UGS types, ecological–social services, and the relevant impact factors. The results showed that: (1) the strongest preference of residents for UGS and their ecological and social services are the attached green space, “beautifying the city”, and “physical and mental relaxation”, respectively; (2) the leading factors for residents’ access to UGS are “age” and “sufficient time”, except for attached green space. The most significant effect on both ecological and social services is the “season” factor. Further, “social gathering” and “exercise” are the services most and least likely to be affected. (3) Future planning of UGS should reinforce construction of attached green space and improve the aesthetics-related ES they provide. Construction of park green space and plaza green space should be enhanced to deal with the aging trend in society. Further, maintaining the existing construction of attached green space and building regional green space are crucial to the sustainability of UGS and its ecological–social services.
in_bo vol. 13 no. 17 focuses on one of its main themes of interest – the sacred – and investigates it according to the relationship between sacred architecture and design pedagogy in contemporary schools of architecture. Edited by Luigi Bartolomei and Andrea Conti, the issue draws a reflection from the sacred understood as the object of highest expression in architectural projects, to the intrinsic relationship between design pedagogy and sacred, intended as a complex of rituals that constitutes the educational practices in architecture. Authors’ contributions span from case studies of design studios to theoretical reflections, and analysis of educational and professional practices of architects and artists.
Architectural drawing and design, Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
Tondok Bakaru Village in Mamasa Regency was designated as a Desa Sadar Wisata in 2019, as an effort to increase the local economy. The purpose of this study to determine the perceptions and motivations of stakeholders towards the development of Tondok Bakaru ecotourism. The phenomenological approach is used to analyze correlations between the proposed development with the economic development, ecology, and socio-culture. Study results are classified based on class intervals listed on the assessment graphs completed with associated descriptions. Notable findings here are as follows. Stakeholder's perception of Tondok Bakaru ecotourism development is on a ‘very agreeable’ scale. This is due to a ‘high desire’ scale expressed by stakeholders to have active roles in the development of ecotourism in Mamasa. Stakeholder motivation towards economic development is also on a ‘high scale’. Many stakeholders also express that it is necessary to improve tourism infrastructures, provide support for orchid cultivation-related business, development of networks for food provision, and other supporting facilities. Aspiration for the development of ecology-based tourism is also on a rather ‘high’ scale, as the concept of Tondok Bakaru ecotourism has not been well-conceived that indeed has disrupted the hydrological system, land conservation, and preservation of flora and fauna. Moreover, aspiration for socio-cultural development is on a ‘very high’ scale. This is influenced by a great concern on the gradual extinction of Tondok Bakaru Village’s socio-cultural assets.
Keywords: ecology; economy; ecotourism; stakeholder; socio-culture
Abstrak
Desa Tondok Bakaru di Kabupaten Mamasa ditetapkan menjadi Desa Sadar Wisata pada tahun 2019 sebagai upaya peningkatan daya tahan ekonomi lokal. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui persepsi dan motivasi pemangku kepentingan terhadap pengembangan ekowisata Tondok Bakaru. Pendekatan fenomenologi digunakan untuk menganalisis persepsi dan motivasi terhadap pengembangan ekowisata yang berkaitan dengan ekonomi, ekologi dan sosial budaya di Tondok Bakaru. Hasil analisis dikelaskan berdasarkan interval kelas pada grafik penilaian dan pemaknaannya diuraikan secara deskriptif kualitatif. Persepsi terhadap pengembangan ekowisata Tondok Bakaru berada pada skala sangat setuju karena didasari oleh adanya keinginan yang tinggi dari pemangku kepentingan untuk berperan aktif pada pengembangan ekowisata di Kabupaten Mamasa. Motivasi pemangku kepentingan terhadap pengembangan ekonomi berada pada skala tinggi. Terbatasnya penunjang ekonomi ekowisata sehingga perlu dilakukan pembenahan infrastruktur, pengadaan inkubasi kelompok usaha budidaya tanaman anggrek, makanan dan penyewaan fasilitas penunjang. Motivasi pada pengembangan ekologi ekowisata pada skala agak tinggi karena konsep pengembangan ekowisata Tondok Bakaru belum tertata dengan baik yang memungkinkan terganggunya sistem hidrologi, konservasi lahan dan pelestarian flora fauna. Motivasi pada pengembangan sosial budaya berada pada skala sangat tinggi karena dipengaruhi oleh keprihatinan pada asset sosial budaya yang saat ini terancam punah.
Kata kunci: ekologi, ekonomi; ekowisata; eemangku kepentingan; eosial budaya
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
Many autistic adults continue living with their parents rather than living independently, regardless of their IQ levels. In studies about adaptive housing, their perspective is still lacking. To address this gap, our research aims to offer insight into, first, autistic adults’ experiences of living independently, and second, what role the housing environment plays in these experiences. A qualitative study was set up to investigate what living independently means to two autistic men. The findings suggest that living independently for them means (1) living in proximity of public facilities, retail stores and family, (2) self-determining their apartment arrangement, daily living activities, and (3) having nearby social contacts to cope with regular domestic stress and anxiety. Comparing their experiences suggests that social and physical factors of the housing environment are not detached, but could strengthen each other in supporting their independent living. The combination of social and physical factors facilitates living independently for these men, which resonates with the paradigm of independent living. A better understanding of autistic people’s lived experiences is crucial to develop housing options which enable them to live independently.
Aesthetics of cities. City planning and beautifying
This article addresses the issue of planning of urban territories by the children's playgrounds according to the modern standards, the requirements of safety, aesthetics and ecological aspects and playgrounds, which is adapted to the needs of children with disabilities. The authors are performed a study of the providing of the Kharkiv city districts by modern sites. It is established now there are insufficient amount of children's play complexes with all current necessary requirements. Moreover, the question remains of organization of the complex playgrounds including for needs of children with disabilities. The analysis of recent studies of Ukrainian and foreign authors on the issue was conducted. The aim of this work is the problem of insufficient providing of playgrounds on urban territories locational nearby of existing buildings and sites of new construction. Recommendations for implementation of architectural decisions of small and large playgrounds of subdistricts are developed. Planning should be done taking into account the requirements of increasing the level of ecological environment and meeting the needs of population different categories. The planning criteria in designing of playgrounds on the urban territories, regardless of their size, are defined. These criteria are included of protection against noise and dust of the playing area, making of appropriate covering and application of modern safe equipment for playgrounds. The paper proposes the organization of play space by way of functional zoning. The schematic structure of the child's complexes of residential districts with the main functional zones and the corresponding equipment for each zone is developed. The diagram illustrates the components of the design process for playground complexes, the principles that should be guided in the organization of children's play space and the tasks, which must be solved. It is concluded that serious work is being done in this field, but there is not enough of quality playgrounds for urban areas. Therefore, the landscaping and beautification of territories around of new buildings, as well as the renovation of sections of territories of existing buildings, should include the design of a children's play area, taking into account the stated principles and needs of all categories of population.