THE INFLUENCE OF THE EUROPEAN COHESION STRATEGY ON SOME ASPECTS OF AESTHETICS OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

The article examines the issue of the influence of the European cohesion policy on approaches to the urban environment and assessing its quality. A number of parameters that determine various aspects of urban space transformation in the context of cohesion policy are analyzed. An assessment of the already existing experience of interpreting public areas is given, both from the point of view of functional efficiency and from the point of view of their aesthetic value. Some directions of the cohesion strategy which influence changes in the value perceptions of the urban space are outlined. The purpose of the article is to determine the likely impact of the European cohesion strategy on the transformation of ideas about the aesthetics of the urban environment. Three directions related to the impact of cohesion policy on the transformation of ideas about the urban environment aesthetics are outlined. They can be defined by: anti-segregation, joint action and topo-solidarity. The first of them is related to a positive reassessment of various forms of openness and interaction. Spaces of common presence, previously separated groups, become a key factor in the value determination of the urban fabric. Elements of virtual and augmented reality, as well as temporary and portable structures, media facades, etc., can be involved in their creation. Traditional means of spatial planning can be perceived as an undesirable rudiment of the urban environment. The second actualizes the concept of aesthetics as maximum variety in a minimum area, primarily pedestrian accessibility. Therefore, homogeneous “ensembles” characteristic of the 20th century are losing their value. The third is related to the creation of city-wide symbols that would reflect the nature of a new type of city-wide solidarity. They have an inclusive nature for positive perception by representatives of the entire multifaceted urban community. It was determined that the change of ideas about the aesthetics of the city under the influence of the cohesion strategy should be considered in conjunction with other phenomena of the transition from the industrial to the information society. The ensemble and rhythmicity of the general masses, the sectoral distribution of territories are gradually giving way to mosaicism and diversity as compositional and functional components. Expanding the category of choice within the pedestrian accessibility zone, freeing the space from barriers and exclusions of various types will be combined with the desire to create universal images – symbols of a new common for all residents of the city, regardless of ethno-confessional and social background.