Contemporary Urban Landscape Research Articles

Incorporation mechanism of traditional Chinese garden elements in modern urban landscape design: an exploratory analysis based on grounded theory

ABSTRACT Following China’s reform and opening up in 1978, the image of European and American city construction has shaped China’s modern urban environment, but the creation of Chinese cities’ original intrinsic cultural landscape has been neglected. This leads to a break in the inheritance of garden culture in contemporary public and open urban landscape design. This study investigates the process of integrating traditional Chinese gardens into contemporary landscapes using grounded theory. In this study, In Vivo Coding is utilized to conduct a thorough analysis of textual materials through a three-step process: Open Coding, Axial Coding, and Selective Coding saturation test. The identified data are meticulously coded and summarized, culminating in the construction of a theoretical model. The study revealed that the incorporation of traditional Chinese garden elements in contemporary urban landscape design involves several key aspects: firstly, employing the traditional layout and spatial form of the entire design site; secondly, integrating modern public landscape design scenes with traditional garden design concepts to evoke a distinct Chinese ambiance; furthermore, utilizing both modern technology and materials alongside traditional techniques to create multi-dimensional elements within the site. The present study systematically synthesizes and examines the incorporation of traditional Chinese garden elements in contemporary urban design across six dimensions. This research offers a theoretical framework for the preservation of traditional garden culture and its integration into modern landscape, as well as furnishing mechanisms and methodologies for integrating traditional culture into contemporary landscape design practice. This research provides a valuable reference for preserving and practically implementing traditional garden elements in contemporary urban landscapes.

Environmental Authenticity: Constructing Nature in Postindustrial Parks

If nature is socially constructed, how do cultural producers construct it? Few social spaces materialize social constructions of nature as powerfully and as directly as parks, which represent cultural beliefs about nature’s form and function. This paper considers how landscape architects and other social actors involved in creating contemporary urban park landscapes think about nature and decide how to represent it through cultural objects. Drawing on the analysis of three case studies – New York’s High Line, Chicago’s Bloomingdale Trail/606, and Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park – I consider the aesthetic judgments that cultural producers make about nature when designing and placing value on park landscapes. I find that in the cultural conditions of the twenty-first century, three aesthetic judgments prevail, converging to create a particular vision of nature that is both highly valued and tightly linked to racialized currents of cultural and economic capital. These aesthetic judgments prize nature as local, wild, and imbricated with urban space. They structure what I term “environmental authenticity”: the idea that socially valued forms of nature are rooted in classical understandings of a socially unmediated, nonhuman nature whose agency in creating landscapes is minimally violated by obvious human cultivation and that exists, seemingly organically, in postindustrial settings. Judgments about environmental authenticity, I argue, are centrally about who has the power to shape landscapes.

3D dynamic landscape simulation of artificial intelligence in environmental landscape design

Three-dimensional (3D) simulations and precise landscape visualizations are crucial for various applications, like landscape management and planning, computer and connection of the landscape, evaluation, and tracking of land use. The consequences of several plans and a large scene cannot be communicated using older methods of comprehensive environmental planning and development in a timely, rational, and coordinated manner. Architects have trouble incorporating ideas into other comprehensive planning implementation processes. Architects did not thoroughly investigate the neighbourhood's demographics and matching behavioural needs and lacked critical thinking. The 3D dynamic landscape simulation is a detailed computerized three-dimensional simulation of the environment that can be dynamically presented. With the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the system possesses a strong sense of reality, a user-friendly interface, and interactive features that can be tailored to the requirements of the contemporary urban environmental landscape. Regarding exterior publicity, domestic assistance, environmental land use planning, and information systems. The novelty of the proposed Interactive Design System based on AI (IDS-AI) is to create a 3D dynamic landscape model based on a real-life environmental scene, utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) to optimize landscape vision. Secondly, 3D environmental landscape design simulation was implemented using GIS spatial analysis in conjunction with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP) to reduce the data overlap rate and help make an accurate decision. Finally, the design incorporates the development of the interactive interface system application of landscape design and environmental resources for viewing the landscape, the factors that affect them, and the area coverage ratio of various land cover types. The experimental outcomes show that the suggested IDS model increases the gradient sensitivity level of 98.3 % and area coverage ratio of 93.4 % compared to other existing models.

Turning peril into opportunity: Construction and validation of a resilience assessment system for China's coastal megacities

Enhancing urban resilience and strengthening risk resistance capacities have emerged as pivotal concerns in the construction and governance of contemporary urban landscapes globally. Given the uniqueness of coastal megacities in terms of geography and population, a more targeted and effective resilience assessment is urgently needed. This investigation develops a comprehensive, multidimensional index system to assess the resilience life cycle of China's coastal megacities. First, we creatively introduce the process perspective of the 4R model of crisis management into urban resilience assessment, revealing the preventive, defensive, recovery, and transformative resilience of China's coastal megacities. Second, we propose a spatio-temporal assessment matrix that integrates four processes of urban resilience and six representative subsystems in coastal megacities: social, economic, ecological, infrastructural, technological, and institutional. Third, we select 59 indicators to construct a three-level assessment index system for China's coastal megacities. This index system is strictly screened and optimized through qualitative and quantitative methods. Fourth, we validate the assessment system using Qingdao's data by calculating an urban resilience index and analyzing trends. We find the most important improvement goals and resilience enhancement suggestions for Qingdao by analyzing the indicator sensitivity. This study contributes to the development of urban resilience theories and identifies weaknesses in different dimensions to strengthen and improve the resilience of coastal megacities.

The Specific Application and Meaning Expression of Folk Art in Urban Landscape Design Under the Optimized Interactive Genetic Algorithm

In the major cities with many high-rise buildings in contemporary China, land resources are becoming more and more scarce, and the urban ecological environment is in urgent need of recycling, and due to the blind imitation of Western culture and design mode and the neglect of China traditional regional culture, the urban landscape lacks interaction, resonance, and sense of belonging with citizens, and the phenomenon of landscape similarity emerges in various cities, focusing on the landscape space of urban complexes. There are also these problems. Urban residents urgently need a third space that can adjust their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. How to design an urban complex landscape that meets the aesthetic needs and humanistic needs of contemporary cities and has regional characteristics has become the first important task of my research. Folk art is an artistic treasure created by the working people in their production and life. Folk art is the embodiment of cultural regionality and the foundation of national culture. It awakens people’s awareness of the importance of local culture, awakens people’s sense of belonging, and is closer to the local public life. Today, the living soil and social and humanistic environment of folk art are in the process of urbanization in China, and there is a trend of gradual disappearance of lifestyle changes. How to make the contemporary urban complex landscape an organic soil for the survival, expression, application, and development of folk art is an important task in contemporary urban landscape design. Based on optimization, related concepts such as symbols, folk art symbols, urban complexes, urban complex landscape design, etc. have been sorted out. The relevant experimental results show that the construction land accuracy of the logistic regression model based on genetic algorithm has increased from 78.0% to 85.3%. kappa increased from 74.5% to 81.2%. Research shows that the logistic regression parameter optimization method based on genetic algorithm has better simulation effect than the conventional logistic regression method and is more suitable for the situation of unbalanced data distribution and many data features in the simulation of large-scale urban land dynamic changes.

Geo-spatial analysis of transit planning for sustainable tourism development in Bangkok, Thailand

ABSTRACT In the contemporary urban landscape, the rail mass transit system assumes a crucial role in shaping city tourism, primarily attributable to its commendable efficiency in ensuring safety and optimizing travel times. A comprehensive understanding of this system becomes imperative for formulating strategies aimed at augmenting the tourism potential it facilitates. Consequently, this study employs rigorous spatial analysis, concentrating on tourist attractions and their accessibility levels within the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) center and an area outside the TOD center (non-TOD). The empirical results of this investigation unveil that the distribution characteristics of a substantial proportion of tourist attractions manifest clustering tendencies (Z-score exceeding 1.65), particularly in areas synonymous with historical and recreational activities. In contrast, specific activities such as cultural and agricultural pursuits exhibit a random distribution characteristic (Z-score between −1.65 and 1.65). Notably, it becomes apparent that activities characterized by distinct distribution patterns also harbour varying potentials for accessibility. In essence, this scholarly endeavour contributes nuanced insights into the intersection of urban rail mass transit systems and tourism dynamics, shedding light on the intricate relationships between spatial distribution, activity characteristics, and accessibility levels within diverse urban contexts.

Architecture & Life of Indore City -The Heart Of Modern India

Indore, nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India, epitomizes a harmonious blend of historical architectural marvels and contemporary urban landscapes. This paper embarks on a comprehensive journey through the architectural tapestry of Indore, unraveling its historical epochs, iconic edifices, and the intricate interplay between tradition and modernity in shaping its urban fabric. Employing a multidisciplinary lens encompassing historical narratives, urban design theories, and cultural discourses, this research endeavors to offer profound insights into the distinctive architectural character of Indore and its profound implications within the broader spectrum of Indian urbanism. Moreover, it illuminates the challenges impeding the preservation of Indore's architectural legacy while navigating the imperatives of sustainable urban development. Keywords: Indore, architecture, heritage, urban dynamics, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Smart bins for enhanced resource recovery and sustainable urban waste practices in smart cities: A systematic literature review

Waste collection bins with smart capabilities play a crucial role in contemporary urban landscapes, forming integral components of efficient and sustainable waste management practices worldwide. This paper conducts a thorough review of state-of-the-art smart bins, emphasizing advanced features such as material separation and integrated automation. The analysis, based on 79 selected articles from a pool of over 1400 publications, underscores critical gaps in the existing literature. While a widely accepted common ground that outlines the definition for smart bins exists, in the form of waste disposal containers incorporating functionalities such as fill-level monitoring and IoT connectivity, this research identifies substantial areas for improvement. Specifically, material separation practices, including automated waste segregation, and the overall maturity of conceptual frameworks present significant challenges, hindering the optimization of resource recovery essential for pioneering circular economy models. Moreover, a lack of uniformity and standardization in automation techniques is apparent across studies. Various articles propose divergent approaches, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks. Notably, no unified solution emerges that could harness collective strengths and mitigate shortcomings. Identifying these issues is paramount for advancing the field and tackle sustainability-related challenges within modern smart cities.

The Specific Application and Meaning Expression of Folk Art in Urban Landscape Design Under the Optimized Interactive Genetic Algorithm

With the rapid and stable growth of China's economy and the rapid development of urban construction, urban complexes have sprung up in major cities. The lag in urban ecological environmental protection, maintenance and construction has brought great pressure to the needs of today's urban residents in terms of life, safety, and sense of belonging. In the major cities with many high-rise buildings in contemporary China, land resources are becoming more and more scarce, and the urban ecological environment is in urgent need of recycling, and due to the blind imitation of Western culture and design mode and the neglect of my country's traditional regional culture, the urban landscape lacks interaction, resonance, and sense of belonging with citizens, and the phenomenon of landscape similarity emerges in various cities, focusing on the landscape space of urban complexes. There are also these problems. Urban residents urgently need a third space that can adjust their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. How to design an urban complex landscape that meets the aesthetic needs and humanistic needs of contemporary cities and has regional characteristics has become the first important task of my research. Folk art is an artistic treasure created by the working people in their production and life. Folk art is the embodiment of cultural regionality and the foundation of national culture. It awakens people's awareness of the importance of local culture, awakens people's sense of belonging, and is closer to the local public life. Today, the living soil and social and humanistic environment of folk art are in the process of urbanization in our country, and there is a trend of gradual disappearance of lifestyle changes. How to make the contemporary urban complex landscape an organic soil for the survival, expression, application, and development of folk art is an important task in contemporary urban landscape design. Based on optimization, related concepts such as symbols, folk art symbols, urban complexes, urban complex landscape design, etc. have been sorted out. The relevant experimental results show that the construction land accuracy of the logistic regression model based on genetic algorithm has increased from 78.0% to 85.3%. kappa increased from 74.5% to 81.2%. Research shows that the logistic regression parameter optimization method based on genetic algorithm has better simulation effect than the conventional logistic regression method and is more suitable for the situation of unbalanced data distribution and many data features in the simulation of large-scale urban land dynamic changes.

Power and vertical locations: A socioecological perspective

High-rise construction increasingly dominates the contemporary urban landscape. We show that the physical built environment is linked to lay theories about social power. In five experiments (N = 1091), we comprehensively test the bi-directional causal link between floor location in high-rises and perceived social power. First, using immersive virtual reality (VR) experience of floor location within a physical urban environment (Experiment 1) and traditional experimental designs (Experiments 2–3), we demonstrate that information about a person's floor location affects perceptions regarding that individual's social power. Second, we find that information about a person's social power influences inferences about that individual's location on higher floors (Experiment 4) and encourages greater monetary outlays for the higher locations of powerful employees (Experiment 5). These findings carry important implications for social hierarchies and inequality, individual choices and policy implications in the urban environment, and the use of VR in environmental perception and cognition research.

Investigating Urban Inequities: Unveiling Women’s Struggle against Discrimination in Literary Narratives through a Feminist Lens

This scholarly investigation critically examines the nuanced challenges confronted by women in contemporary urban landscapes within the contextual framework of India. The study undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the ubiquitous discrimination encountered by women that extends beyond socioeconomic demarcations. The spectrum of challenges encompasses intricacies, such as economic disparages, societal norms, gender-based violence, and the overarching phenomenon denoted as the ‘feminization of poverty’.Within the purview of feminist analysis, this examination accentuates the imperative of recognizing and understanding the intersectionality inherent in the challenges confronting women in urban environments. The study underscores the interwoven nature of diverse forms of discrimination, shedding light on the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based disparities in urban settings. The socioeconomic underpinnings of discrimination are discerned through an exploration of economic disparities prevalent in urban spaces. This inquiry delves into the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to economic opportunities and financial resources, elucidating how such disparities contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based inequalities. Societal norms, as a focal point of analysis, are interrogated for their role in reinforcing discriminatory practices against women. The study scrutinizes the prevailing cultural and social norms that perpetuate gender roles and expectations, elucidating their impact on shaping the experiences of women in urban contexts. A paramount consideration in this analysis is the examination of gender-based violence as a pervasive manifestation of discrimination within urban settings. The research delves into the various forms of violence inflicted upon women, ranging from physical and psychological abuse to systemic and institutionalized forms of gender-based discrimination. Through this exploration, the study elucidates the deleterious effects of such violence on the overall well-being and agency of women in urban environments. The concept of the feminization of poverty is critically evaluated as a theoretical framework that encapsulates the gendered dimensions of poverty prevalent among women in urban locales. This examination contextualizes the multifaceted ways in which poverty disproportionately affects women, delineating the intricate relationship between economic deprivation and gender-based disparities. This academic endeavor therefore underscores the necessity of adopting a feminist lens to comprehensively analyze and address the challenges faced by women in contemporary urban settings in India. By highlighting the intersectionality of these challenges, the study seeks to contribute to an enhanced understanding of the complex dynamics that underscore women’s experiences in urban environments. Moreover, the research emphasizes the resilience and collective agency demonstrated by women in their concerted efforts to reshape urban spaces towards inclusivity and empowerment.

Varanasi—The Making of a Smart Heritage City

One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is home to more than one religion. It is an acclaimed centre of spirituality for Hindus and Buddhists while being equally sacred for Jains and Sikhs. The city is located along the river Ganga, which many believe is a celestial incarnation to grant salvation. Varanasi is a million-plus-population city; an increasingly important provincial metropolitan centre enshrined with the values of commerce, religion, ritual and tradition; and caught between the confluence and contestations of traditions and modernity. Since 2016, Varanasi has been incorporated under India’s Smart Cities Mission (SCM) to develop the city into a smart city with a strong focus on heritage and tourism. The present article is an attempt to trace the journey of the city that has developed as a palimpsest over centuries; it deliberates the contemporary urban landscape and maps out recent urban and infrastructure developments of the city and its concerns. This article also argues that Varanasi has focused on locally specific everyday urbanisms with heritage and culture and pivoted to making itself a Smart Heritage City.

Scenery deconstruction: a new approach to understanding the historical characteristics of Nanjing cultural landscape

The “Eight Scenic Views Paintings” represent crucial visual materials for investigating the history of cultural landscapes. However, traditional methods of interpreting materials struggle to discern the inherent connections between different landscape elements. This study proposes an approach for deconstructing historical images, taking the example of the Forty Scenic Views in the Late Ming Dynasty in Nanjing, China. To explore the co-occurrence structure, hierarchical clustering, and correlation features among various elements, various digital humanities quantification methods were applied, including spatial analysis of ArcGIS, co-occurrence and clustering of KH Coder, and correlation analysis of SPSS. This study reveals the characteristics of the landscape construction of Nanjing in the Late Ming: natural landscape as the foundation, artificial landscape as the core, and advocating tradition as the fashion. It also uncovers the landscape order: mountains, waters, and scenic views interweaved and coexisted, as well as nature and culture intertwined and clustered. In addition, multiple information graphs of the subordinate and co-occurrence relationships of 20 landscape elements were constructed, 5 landscape paradigms were extracted, and 36 pairs of related relationships were discovered, deepening the historical understanding of the urban landscape construction of Nanjing in the Late Ming. This paper puts forward the idea of analyzing historical images by digital method, which provides some essential and detailed historical basis for explaining the value of cultural landscape heritage and shaping contemporary urban landscape.

Last-Mile Optimization Using Neural Networks

In the era of extensive data acquisition from manufacturing and transportation processes, the utilization of machine learning and deep learning techniques has emerged as a potent force for informed decision-making and optimized deliveries in contemporary urban landscapes. This study presents a novel approach grounded in deep learning, where product data are systematically gathered to construct a multilayer perceptron neural network model. This model proves instrumental in efficiently classifying product flows within the urban milieu. To validate its efficacy, machine learning classifiers are deployed, and their performance is juxtaposed with the neural network model. Addressing the critical question of the paper’s significance, our experimental evaluation unequivocally demonstrates the superior classification accuracy of the proposed multilayer perceptron model when compared to traditional machine learning models operating on the same product dataset. This advancement is not merely a theoretical achievement but translates into tangible improvements in last-mile delivery processes, marked by significant cost reduction and the mitigation of delays. The transformative potential of our approach is further underscored by the strategic application of a deep learning algorithm for optimization and illustrative purposes. This holistic methodology not only positions our work as a noteworthy contribution to the realm of product classification but also establishes a concrete pathway for enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of urban logistics. This paper, thus, goes beyond the conventional application of machine learning models, offering a paradigm shift in the intersection of deep learning, urban logistics, and sustainable development.

Urban Landscape Design Based on the Concept of "Harmony Between Heaven and Man"

"Harmony between Heaven and Man" not only embodies the essence of ancient Chinese thought but is also a core theory in the field of aesthetics. It emphasizes the close connection between humans and nature and advocates seeking a balance of harmony between heaven, man, and nature. This concept has significant implications for contemporary urban landscape planning. Faced with the challenges of "uniformity in a thousand cities" and "standardized development" in urban construction, it is crucial to incorporate this philosophical thinking into the design process. Design solutions and methods should be considered from multiple dimensions, such as urban ecological balance, harmonizing human life needs with the environment, regionalism and cultural heritage, as well as respect and protection of the ecological environment. Whether in overall planning or specific implementation, the profound meaning of "Harmony between Heaven and Man" should be explored to better showcase the harmony between humans and nature in urban landscapes and promote the city's health and sustainable development.

De vliesgevel in the Netherlands between construction and representation. Past and present-day experiences in social housing

The crisis of the contemporary urban landscape (meant to convey cultural and social values) is evidenced by the upsurge of self-referential architectural artifacts whose ephemeral features manifest how unsuitable their project-based approach is since it tries to attain spectacular architectural shapes even when dealing with housing. This alarming trend is also present in the Netherlands, even if a relevant tradition regarding the construction of urban spaces by means of facade-prospects is present there. The lack of regard for the cultural and social values of residential collective housing is evidenced nowadays by the ephemeral facades of many Dutch quarters, where the values of traditional collective housing seem to have been lost. In this way, the all-encompassing feature of globalization gets confirmed: identical buildings appear in different cities and places. This work focuses on project-based experiences of social housing implemented in some meaningful periods in the development of Dutch housing culture. Such projects are deeply rooted in their sites, and though they do not neglect to produce buildings that meet contemporary requirements, they keep the connections, ensuring continuity with the shapes and construction traditions of the past. In particular, the features of facades - thanks to their formal and construction-related developments - clearly manifest the choice to regard the project as a well-devised blend of past, present, and future. This work relates the results of broader research regarding the urban role of residential collective buildings within the landscape of Dutch architectural culture in the early XX century.

Alienation in Don Delillo's "Cosmopolis"

Don DeLillo's novel "Cosmopolis" explores the theme of alienation in the contemporary urban landscape, delving into the psyche of its protagonist, Eric Packer. This paper aims to analyze the various dimensions of alienation portrayed in the novel, examining the societal, existential, and technological factors contributing to Packer's sense of detachment from the world around him. By closely reading key passages and exploring relevant literary and sociological theories, this paper sheds light on the profound implications of alienation within the context of "Cosmopolis."

An Advanced Formulation for Rehabilitating Shear Strength in Deep Beams with Shear Openings through Integration of Varied Steel Configurations for Utility Provisions

In the contemporary urban landscape, rapid technological advancements necessitate adaptations in industrial and residential structures to accommodate new utilities such as ducts, pipes, and passages. This study focuses on formulating a design methodology and aid for recovering shear capacity losses resulting from openings in existing solid deep beams. A novel design approach involves the implementation of steel elementary configurations around the openings in deep beams, enhancing their shear resistance. The study employs a systematic investigation, integrating simulation through the ABAQUS program, to assess the effectiveness of the proposed steel configurations in restoring shear capacity. The research explores three distinct steel configurations, emphasizing the synergy between concrete and steel materials. Concrete Damage Plasticity models, incorporated within ABAQUS, enable detailed quasi-static analysis to unravel the intricate behaviour of deep beams subjected to shear openings and strengthened with proposed steel formations. Specifically, a deep beam model featuring a combination of a full-length steel plate welded with a steel cylinder around the opening (EDSBPD) exhibited full capacity restoration, achieving an efficiency of 1.0064 compared to solid deep beams. Leveraging ABAQUS simulations and adhering to ACI 318-14 specifications, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the EDSBPD for design assistance. This study led to the development of a dimensionless equation that calculates the shear strength of deep beams, accounting for the impact of the thickness-to-width ratio of the steel configuration around the opening. This equation provides a valuable tool for incorporating openings into solid deep beams without compromising shear strength.

Redefining Urban Landscapes: The Spatial Form of Chinese Vernacular Architecture

Objective: This paper explored the spatial form of Chinese vernacular architecture and its transformative potential in urban landscapes. Chinese vernacular architecture embodies a distinct design approach deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions, harmonizing with the natural environment.
 
 Theoretical framework: Through an analysis of its spatial characteristics and their relationship with the urban context, this study investigated how Chinese vernacular architecture could contribute to sustainable and culturally vibrant urban spaces.
 
 Method: The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of Chinese vernacular architecture through literature review, and previous case studies. The research investigates the spatial principles, design elements, and construction techniques that contribute to the unique character of Chinese vernacular architecture. The study also discussed the implications of incorporating the spatial form of Chinese vernacular architecture into contemporary urban landscapes. The integration of these design principles has the potential to promote sustainable urban development by emphasizing principles such as energy efficiency, natural ventilation, and passive cooling strategies.
 
 Results and conclusion: The findings highlighted the significance of spatial form in creating sustainable and culturally rich urban environments. By redefining urban landscapes through the application of Chinese vernacular architecture, cities can become more livable, resilient, and aesthetically pleasing.
 
 Originality/value: The paper advocates for the inclusion of these spatial design principles in contemporary urban planning and architecture, advocating for a holistic approach that balances environmental sustainability, cultural heritage preservation, and human well-being. It was determined that the spatial form of Chinese vernacular architecture possesses significant potential for redefining urban landscapes.

The Aesthetics of the Contemporary Urban Landscape and its Implications for Well-Being

In an increasingly urban world, more citizens are exposed to urban landscapes, including the aesthetics of these environments. Despite psychological research supporting the existence of a positive relationship between environmental aesthetics and well-being, the aesthetics of contemporary urban landscapes (UL) are subordinated to variables such as functionality and economic redeeming. The purpose was to study how citizens perceive contemporary UL in terms of aesthetics and how this relates to well-being. Using photographs of UL in an online questionnaire, quantitative and qualitative ratings of aesthetics and well-being were obtained of 63 participants. Results showed that contemporary UL were perceived as less aesthetic than traditional UL and associated with words suggesting a negative connotation. Analyses could not confirm a positive relationship between UL aesthetics and well-being. A qualitative analysis revealed a tendency to evaluate well-being negatively in relation to contemporary urban landscapes. As these findings suggest that aesthetics should be considered in urban planning, further research should focus on the possible relation between UL aesthetics and well-being.