ABSTRACT
Previous research on “aesthetics of soiling” including studies on public perception of soiling of historic building have involved many aspects related to public feelings about the appearance of the buildings. The perception of soiling is complex and depends on the individual and general conditions of the local environment. Black crusts are potentially damaging, but sometimes, soiling of historical buildings may represents more of a publicly visible nuisance which could become publicly unacceptable (Hamilton & Mansfield 1992). On other occasions, soiling can be aesthetically beneficial. When people look at old buildings there may be an expectation that they should appear soiled. Patinas may be valued and have an aesthetic quality that can enhance the appeal of the building. Light and moderate soiling around architectural details could improve the visual appearance of the building by increasing contrast and enhancing shadowing effects, while at the same time, adding a pattern of soiling which was originally absent. However, as Andrew (1992) argues heavy soiling eventually would lead to a uniform blackening, reducing the visual information or architectural details and completely obscuring the color, texture and any shadowing effect.
