The Political Rationality of Beauty in Urban Design Governance

The concept of beauty has recently reemerged in policy discourse on architecture and the built environment. While often identified with conservative provocations to culture war it is noticeable that ‘beauty’ is used by advocates of both traditionalist and progressive approaches. This paper examines the political rhetoric around beauty in urban design policies and manifestos of the 2020s. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s work on governmentality; the urban origins of policing; and the ‘pastoral power’ that underlies the modern professions, we argue that there is a distinct political rationality linking the legal powers of the state with the conduct of the everyday life of individuals that gives ‘beauty’ its current valency.