This research presents an analytical tool to quantitatively assess and compare the aesthetic value of facades, by focusing on their formal order (O) and complexity (C). A total of fifteen facades of the colonial building heritage (19th–20th centuries) of Algiers old city center were aesthetically assessed and compared. The method uses Birkhoff’s aesthetic measure and calculates the aesthetic value for each facade. These values were ranked and compared using statistical analysis. The results lead to classify the evaluated facades into four sets according to the importance of their aesthetic values: very high, high, average and low. The results can serve to elaborate a guideline of design principles to help operating on this site. However, this research shows some limitations and suggests the need for further research into aesthetic preference. A valuation survey is necessary to improve this method and to test Birkhoff’s formula empirically.

这项研究提出了一种分析工具，通过侧重于形式顺序（O）和复杂性（C）来定量评估和比较外墙的美学价值。从美学上评估和比较了总共15个阿尔及尔旧城中心殖民地建筑遗产的外墙（19至20世纪）。该方法使用伯克霍夫（Birkhoff）的美学标准，并计算每个立面的美学价值。使用统计分析对这些值进行排名和比较。结果根据其审美价值的重要性将评估的外墙分为四组：非常高，很高，中等和低。结果可以帮助制定设计原则指南，以帮助在此站点上进行操作。但是，这项研究显示出一些局限性，并表明有必要对美学偏好进行进一步的研究。