Historic buildings can enhance the 'scenicness' of cities to a degree comparable with natural features, according to a study from University of Warwick and University of Nottingham.
By analysing thousands of photographs rated by the public on the 'Scenic or Not' platform, and linking them to data from Historic England's National Heritage List, researchers from Warwick and Nottingham found that English urban images containing a listed (legally protected historic) building received visual appeal scores around 25% higher than the average urban scene.
The findings, reported in Frontiers in Psychology, indicate that historic architecture offers aesthetic benefits that score on par with natural features such as trees and water. This means these buildings make a substantial and measurable contribution to how pleasant and liveable city environments are perceived to be.
First author, Dr Sidney Sherborne, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, said: "The key question is why historic buildings consistently score higher for scenicness. Whether it is their natural materials, human-scale proportions, ornamental details that echo natural forms, or even the weathering effects of time, understanding their scenic quality could help to guide contemporary urban design."
Previous research shows that spending time in more scenic environments is linked to improved happiness and health. Urban areas, where natural features are often limited, tend to be perceived as less scenic. This study suggests that historic buildings can play a similar role to natural features, bridging the gap by enhancing the visual quality, and potentially the well-being value, of cities.
The analysis also found that scenicness increased with a building's historical or architectural significance. Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings - the highest categories of national importance - were associated with larger increases in scenicness scores than Grade II buildings. Structures listed earlier, and those dating from earlier centuries, also tended to receive higher scenicness ratings.
The results suggest a close alignment between expert heritage designations and public perceptions of scenic beauty, with buildings judged to be more culturally or architecturally important also experienced as more visually appealing.
Co-author of the study, Dr Eugene Malthouse, University of Nottingham said: "These findings highlight the positive contribution of historic buildings to urban environments and provide empirical support for their continued preservation as public goods."
The study has implications for policymakers, planners, and developers at a time when many cities are facing pressure to redevelop and densify. Preserving historic buildings, the authors argue, is not only about protecting cultural heritage, but about creating healthier, more attractive urban environments - places where people want to spend time.
