“Slow” Visual Environment in the Urban Landscapes

Abstract

The article observes different aspects of the visual ecology in the urban architectural environment and a new public discussion that arose around the anti-acceleration trends (“Slow Architecture”, “Slow Cities”). The theory of the urbanized landscapes visual image’s perception analyzes, from the standpoint of rational aesthetics, critical theory of architecture, topological reflection, and the new ethics of consumption. Philosophical reflection on the phenomenon of slow perception of life, slow activity and the meaning of contemplation is of great importance for the formation of the concept of “slow visual environment”. The hypothesis of the need to limit the iconic forms’ entropy in the visual environment is verified by the examples of objects creating an aggressive landscape and visual pollution. Criteria are offered, defining the visual pollution of urban landscapes, as well as the methods for achieving visual environmental friendliness by slowing down the visual message.

Keywords

• visual environment
• visual ecology
• ecology of architecture
• slow architecture
• slow city
• sustainable development
• architecture
• visual pollution
• urbanism
• urban landscape