The book of K. Lynch, one of the largest American experts in the theory of urban planning and the psychology of perception of architecture, is devoted to an urgent problem - the aesthetics of a modern city. The problem was developed by the author with the involvement of social psychology, sociology, cultural theory. The significance of aesthetic values ​ ​ for the formation of cities in the historical aspect is analyzed in detail, normative theories of the shape of the city are considered and the legality of the normative approach is assessed. The general criteria for the activities carried out in the city are formulated.