Urban Quality of Life: Domains, Dimensions and Indicators for Indian Cities

Abstract

The word “quality of life” has been used vigorously from everyday language to research studies. Often, it becomes challenging to differentiate between notions related to QoL, well-being, satisfaction, and happiness. UQoL is a notion that has been conversed in recent studies as a response to various urban issues and challenges. The paper aims to define the concept of QoL in urban context through a descriptive analytical approach and reviews various QoL models and approaches of QoL-studies and compares the number of indices measuring QoL at the national and city level to identify various dimensions and indicators. Finally, a conceptual model concluding the UQoL indicators have been deduced in the form of a matrix. These dimensions represent a guide for policymakers, Planners, Architects, and Designers.

Architects’ Perception of Quality of Life—Impact, Practice, and Barriers

“…There is a growing awareness and interest in the connection between quality of life (QoL) and the built environment. Attention is shifting from traditional economic metrics such as GDP to include QoL when evaluating and certifying the impact and value of architectural design [1,2]. The development has sparked several private and philanthropic initiatives, such as the Quality-of-Life Foundation [3], that work to ensure that homes are acquired, planned, built, and managed to actively provide a better QoL.…”

“…Architectural design impacts the built environment and the QoL, which is realized through many perspectives in various contexts. QoL is a complex and multifaceted concept with no clear or agreed definition, and likewise, in the field of architecture, it comes with various definitions and contexts [1,2]. It usually refers to the general well-being of individuals and societies, and often, it describes relationships, dynamics, and networks that exist among physical features [4].…”

“…It usually refers to the general well-being of individuals and societies, and often, it describes relationships, dynamics, and networks that exist among physical features [4]. A commonly used understanding of QoL is the "goodness of life" and the ability to live happily and successfully within the environment [2,5]. However, as other scholars have emphasized, it becomes difficult to differentiate between related notions such as well-being, satisfaction, happiness, urban QoL, community QoL, neighborhood quality, and sense of community [1,2,4,6,7].…”

“…The beginning of the QoL concept can be traced back to the early philosophical period (427-322 BC) [2], with characteristics of happiness serving as the central objective of a good life, defined by attitudes, feelings, and beliefs [2]. Although society and worldviews have changed dramatically since the time of Socrates and Aristotle, some historical factors determine how QoL is perceived today.…”

“…The characteristics of a good life are still essential to the individual and his or her environment. Yadava and Gupta [2] provide a valuable historical perspective of QoL and include some of the complexities and conditions of QoL. Interestingly, QoL is still founded on the basic idea that people should live a good life, which includes both internal and external conditions, where, in particular, external aspects may be beyond individuals' control.…”