The author describes the model of visual perception used in the educational process for students studying architecture. The model is used for objective estimation of architectural forms on criteria of lightness-massiveness, symmetry-asymmetry, contrast-nuance, etc. This model is based on the modern neurophysiological data and is meant for studying regularities of the visual perception of architectural environment by man. The results of the experiments are presented, in which the images are estimated according to the criteria of lightness-massiveness and fitness-exposure of an object in the environment.