Abstract: The main focus of the SOI model is the dense urban environment. The dense urban environment is currently a problem, and its significance will grow in the future. Openness to near and distant views influences the quality of life, and the environmental quality in a densely built urban environment is reflected in real estate values. It is well known and proven in research (Benson, et al ., 1998) that people are willing to pay a premium for a preferred view. The shape of buildings and their positional relationship to each other has a great influence on spatial openness to near and distant views. The ability to quantify the contribution of the spatial openness would be an important input to the plan ning, designing, and sustaining of a pleasing urban environment.