What is aesthetics? (Author: Armin Abdel-Kader) Aesthetics is a commonly used term. In everyday language, aesthetics is equated with well-proportioned, pleasing, stylish design. In art and architecture, the concept of aesthetics as a comprehensive study of the sensually perceptible developed into a study of beauty. Driven by the attempt to categorise aesthetic perception, to capture it in geometrically constructed proportions and to make it reproducible. In interaction with new technologies and construction forms, aesthetic perception also changed. Aesthetics communicates a society's stylistic ideas of how to live life and becomes a sign of culture and sophistication. In architecture, this has led to the conviction that the aesthetic design of living spaces makes a significant contribution to users' quality of life. Aesthetics in and of itself is thus assigned a function. Carefully, prudently and appreciatively designed living spaces will encourage users to share in the joy with which the buildings and open spaces have been designed. What people like and enjoy, what they want to use often and with pleasure, will also be looked after in order to preserve it. Aesthetics create an emotional connection and thus contribute to sustainability. Aesthetics make the difference between "should use something" and "want to use something".