The Valuation of Aesthetic Preferences and Consequences for Urban Transport Infrastructures

The importance of transport infrastructure for individual well-being and regional economic development growth, but also its adverse side-effects, make a comprehensive assessment the general appropriateness new construction rebuild indispensable. Assessments, however, often lack certain issues. For instance, aesthetic aspects are usually not part (economic) evaluation large projects, albeit individuals may be (positively or negatively) affected by ‘value’ infrastructures. This paper proposes index developed Birkhoff as method to quantify impact buildings/facilities in urban areas. To test basic applicability facilities, we apply it at first airport terminals Germany. We suitability derive willingness pay exterior design—since market prices easy obtain with respect hotel room rates—using architecture example. Regression results hedonic price model indicate significant relationship, suggesting uncover consumers’ an outward appearance. suggest further research Birkhoff’s infrastructures order utility-based welfare measures toward highly controversial (overground) infrastructures, propose inclusion component cost–benefit analysis.