Assessing Public vs. Professionals’ Aesthetic Preferences of Public Art Initiatives in Informal Areas: The Case of the Ring Road in Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Informal areas exist worldwide, in which they are considered a global challenge,affecting cities image, as they are characterized by high populations, dense buildings, and poorinfrastructure, among other aspects that turn them into low-quality-living, unsafe, ugly pocketsin cities. The research argues that public art, as a powerful tool, can (re)image, represent, andrevitalize informal areas and improve the quality of life for their residents. The researchinvestigates public perception of art in Cairo's informal areas from different perspectives andhow diverse groups perceive and value public art as a tool for enhancing informal areas thataims to inform urban planning, design, and public art initiatives. Through a mix of quantitativeand qualitative research methods relying on the results of an achieved design competition,including interviews with competition jurors, user surveys, and competition jurors ratings, thisstudy explores how different approaches influence the design and implementation of publicart. The analysis of the collected data sheds light on the factors shaping public perception andthe potential impact of public art on urban transformation. These include cultural resonance,aesthetic appeal, visibility, feasibility, and environmental integration.