Designing and Managing Urban Parks to Improve the Quality of Life in the Egyptian Cities

Transcription

1 Cairo University Faculty of Urban and Regional Planning Urban Design Department Designing and Managing Urban Parks to Improve the Quality of Life in the Egyptian Cities By: Noha Ahmed Abd El Aziz A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Urban and Regional Planning at Cairo University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning Supervised by: Prof.Dr. Maher Stino Professor of Urban Design Faculty of Urban and Regional Planning Dr. Abbas El Zafrany Associate Professor of Urban Design Faculty of Urban and Regional Planning 2012

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3 Acknowledgment I would like to express my special thanks and gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Maher Stino, for being so generous to me, with his time, patience, advice and valuable opinions. I would like to thank Dr. Abbas El Zafrany, for his encouragement, inspirational instructions and guidance, which oriented me throughout the research. My deep gratitude to Dr. Mahmoud Yousry, Dr. Ahmed Yousry and Dr. Hala Mekawy for their constructive instructions. In addition, I would like to acknowledge the assistance given to me by Dr. Abo El Fotoh Shalaby, which supported my academic pursuits by ideas, feedback and advice. Finally, I would like to thank my husband, for his support and encouragement. I could not have completed this effort without his assistance, tolerance, and enthusiasm. Dedication I dedicate this modest research to all researchers interested in open green spaces and urban parks. b

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5 Acknowledgment and Dedication Table of Contents List of Figures and Pictures List of Tables Research Summary Introduction Statement of Research Problem Research Aim and Objectives Research Questions Research Hypothesis Research Methodology Research Data Research Structure Expected Contribution to Science TABLE OF CONTENTS PART ONE: LITERATURE REVIEW 1 CHAPTER ONE: THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY OF LIFE Introduction Definition of Quality of Life Why QoL Definition is Ambiguous? Taxonomy of Quality of Life Definitions Different Quality of Life Definitions Components of the QoL Concept History of Developing the QoL Concept Quality of Life Concept Origin Why Quality of Life? Social Indicators Movement Difference between QoL and Other Development Measures Standard of Living Human Development Index Liveability Happiness Sustainability Well-Being Importance of Studying the Concept of QoL Measuring Quality of Life Classification of QoL Indicators Subjective Indicators Objective Indicators Combining Subjective and Objective Indicators Approaches of Measuring QoL Quality of Life Indicators National Scale Indicators Individual Scale Indicators The Challenge of Weighting QoL Dimensions Problems Associated with Integrating Social, Environmental, and Economic Indicators 25 b c h j k l l m n n p p p q c

6 1-8 Quality of Life Application in Planning and Urban Studies Benefits of Quality of Life Indicators Application of QoL Concept in Urban Development 26 CHAPTER TWO: PARKS AND QUALITY OF LIFE Introduction The Relationship between Open Green Spaces and QoL Why Do We Need Open Green Spaces? Do Parks Improve QoL? The Impact of Open Green Spaces on Quality of Life Environmental Impact Social Impact Economic Impact The International Interest in Open Green Spaces Role in Quality of Life Projects Concerned with the Impact of Open Green Space on QoL Researchers and Studies Concerned with the Impact of Open on QoL Maximizing the Impact of Green Spaces on Quality of Life The Process to Improve QoL through Parks Planning Open Green Spaces Process in Cairo City Parks as a Product that Supports Improving QoL Parks as a Product in Cairo City The Quality of the Urban Park What is Meant by Quality? How to Evaluate Quality? How to Achieve Quality in the Urban Park? Park Impact on the Neighborhood and the City Environmental and Health Effects Psychological and Visual Effects Economic Effects General Approaches of Economic Valuation for Green Space 48 CHAPTER THREE: PARK QUALITY IMPACT ON USERS Introduction The Urban Park User The User Analysis Needs and Preferences Motivations Perception Values Satisfaction Direct Park Requirements to Contribute to QoL Fulfilling the Users Basic Needs Improving Social Relationships Improving General Health Educating Users Supporting Cultural Aspects Enhancing Esthetical Qualities through Visual Preferences Indirect Park Requirements to Contribute to QoL Enhancing Environmental Qualities and Preserving Natural Resources Supporting the Economy (Economic Self-Sufficiency) 74 d

7 CHAPTER FOUR: CASE STUDIES AND THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Introduction National and International Park Profile Users Basic Need Design and Management Criteria Accessibility in Parks Safety in Parks Comfort in Parks Cleanness in Parks Basic Facilities and Recreational Activities in Parks Social Deign and Management Criteria Accomplishing Community Cohesion in Parks Accomplishing Community Inclusion and Social Equality in Parks Accomplishing Sense of Belonging in Parks Accomplishing Community Empowerment and Civic Pride through Parks Accomplishing Community Development through Parks (Youth Development) Health Design and Management Criteria Improving Physical and Community Health through Parks Improving Mental and Psychological Health in Parks Educational and Cultural Design and Management Criteria Attaining Lifetime Education in Parks Supporting Arts and Cultural Heritage in Parks Esthetical Qualities Design and Management Criteria Environmental Design and Management Criteria Enhancing the Environmental Qualities through Parks Preserving Natural Resources in Parks Economic Design and Management Criteria Reviving the Economy through Parks Minimizing the Running Cost in Parks Providing Multi-funding Resources in Parks The Proposed Conceptual Theoretical Framework: Formulating the Research Hypothesis Introduction Design and Management Performance Indicators Design and Management Impact Indicators 111 PART TWO: THE EMPIRICAL STUDY 114 CHAPTER FIVE: THE EMPIRICAL STUDY METHODOLOGY Introduction Goals and Questions Main Goal Main Questions Selecting the Case Study Classification Criteria Classifying Urban Parks in Cairo City Selecting the Case Studies Research Methods and Tools Introduction The Field Survey Observation 122 e

8 5-3-3 The Structured and Semi-structured Interviews Focus Groups The Survey Population Introduction The Sample Clustering The Sample Size Conducting the Survey Pilot Study Conducting the Final Survey Survey Results Coding the Survey Results Data Analysis and Reporting Error! Bookmark not defined.127 CHAPTER SIX: THE EMPIRICAL CASE STUDIES Introduction Rod El Farag Park Park Profile Site Survey Park Users Observations Users Interviews Analysis Non-users Interviews Analysis Shop-owners Interviews Analysis El Thakfia Park (El Hod El Marsod) Park Profile Site Survey Park Users Observations Users Interviews Analysis Non- users Interviews Analysis Shop-owners Interviews Analysis El Dawlia Park Park Profile Site Survey Park Users Observations Users Interviews Analysis Non- users Interviews Analysis Shop-owners Interviews Analysis El Azhar Park Park Profile Site Survey Park Users Observations Users Interviews Analysis Non-users Interviews Analysis Shop-owners Interviews Analysis Error! Bookmark not defined. 221 CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Theoretical Review Results Quality of Life as an Assessment Tool Planning Open Green Spaces to Enhance QoL Designing and Managing Parks to Enhance QoL The Empirical Study Results Hypothesis Validation 225 f

9 7-2-2 Final Conclusions The Proposed Multi goal Integrated Framework (Contribution to Science) Secondary Results Concerning Case Studies Discussion Recommendations for Future Research 239 References 241 Appendix 258 Research Summary in Arabic II g

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11 LIST OF FIGURES AND PICTURES Figure (A-1) The research hypothesis o Figure (A-2) The research methodology r Figure (1-1) Quality of life definition 4 Figure (1-2) Quality of life components 5 Figure (1-3) liveability and QoL 8 Figure (1-4) Four aspects of happiness 9 Figure (1-5) Sustainable development componunts 10 Figure (1-6) Fulfilling subjective QoL 13 Figure (1-7) QoL maps in Canada 28 Figure (2-1) Urban parks multi- functions in the city 31 Figure (2-2) Urban parks contribution to QoL 32 Figure (2-3) CABE green space strategy 36 Figure (2-4) The relationship between the planning process and the good product of open green spaces 39 Figure (2-5) Green area distribution in Great Cairo 40 Figure (2-6) Person s quota of green areas in international cities 40 Figure (2-7) Open green spaces poor distribution in Cairo city 41 Figure (2-8) Poor quality in Cairo urban parks 41 Figure (2-9) The park impact on the surrounding neighborhood 49 Figure (3-1) Unfulfilled needs and vandalism in the park 51 Figure (3-2) The motivation model 52 Figure (3-3) Satisfaction determines 54 Figure (3-4) Maslow s hierarchy of needs 55 Figure (3-5) The factors affecting thermal comfort in outdoors 58 Figure (3-6) Recreational opportunities for children in the parks 59 Figure (3-7) The park as a social venue 63 Figure (3-8) The power of colors 65 Figure (3-9) Parks supporting mental and physical health 67 Figure (3-10) Educational opportunities in the park 69 Figure (3-11) System approach to unsustainable landscape 73 Figure (3-12) System approach to sustainable landscape 73 Figure (3-13) The waste hierarchy 74 Figure (3-14) Degradation Vs stewardship 74 Figure (4-1) Altering planting distribution to enhance visibility and safety 88 Figure (4-2) Sunken spaces to alter noise and wind 89 Figure (4-3) Dense canopy trees can act as wind breaks 89 Figure (4-4) Recreational facilities in Burbury Park, UK 91 Figure (4-5)The theater in Genoa-Prà Urban Park, UK 91 Figure (4-6) Social activities in Dufferin Grove Park, Canada 91 Figure (4-7) Play ground in District Park Reudnitz 94 Figure (4-8) Central Park Lake 94 Figure (4-9) Bicycle trails in Seoul Forest Park 94 Figure (4-10) Innovative orientation and information signs in London 95 Royal Parks Figure (4-11) Concerts at Seoul Forest Park 95 Figure (4-12) Educative landscape at The Bertie County Schools, North 95 Carolina Figure (4-13) Bio-diversity in the European parks 98 Figure (4-14) Vegetation in Genoa-Prà urban park 98 h

12 Figure (4-15) The theoretical framework structure 103 Figure (4-16 ) The park contribution to quality of life in the city 103 Figure (4-17) Goal/objectives and evaluation criteria required to enhance urban parks contribution to QoL 104 Figure (5-1) The empirical study methodology 115 Figure (5-2) The research strategy 116 Figure (5-3) The institutions responsible for urban parks in Cairo city 117 Figure (5-4) The selected case study parks 120 Figure (6-1) Rod El Farag district 129 Figure (6-2) Rod El Farag Park location 129 Figure (6-3) Rod El Farag Park deign 129 Figure (6-4) El Sayada Zenab district 149 Figure (6-5) El Sayada Zenab district characteristics 149 Figure (6-6) El Thakfia Park location 149 Figure (6-7) El Thakfia Park original design 150 Figure (6-8) El Thakfia Park characteristics 150 Figure (6-9) El Thakfia Park current design 151 Figure (6-10) Naser City district 173 Figure (6-11) El Dawlia Park location 173 Figure (6-12) El Dawlia Park design 174 Figure (6-13) Central Cairo district 196 Figure (6-14) Central Cairo district characteristics 196 Figure (6-15) El Azhar Park location 196 Figure (6-16) Landuse around El Azhar Park 197 Figure (6-17) Construction phases in El Azhar Park 197 Figure (6-18) El Azhar Park design 198 Figure (7-1) Importance and performance charts of the users 226 Figure (7-2) Importance and performance charts of the non-users 229 i

13 LIST OF TABLES Table (1-1) QoL definition taxonomy 2 Table (1-2) Relationship between QoL and liveability 9 Table (1-3) Relationship between objective environment conditions and preserved QoL 15 Table (1-4) Objective and subjective data sources 17 Table (1-5) Levels of measuring QoL 17 Table (1-6) World health organization QoL indicators 18 Table (1-7) Calvert-Henderson Quality of Life Indicators Table (1-8) Objective QoL dimensions by International Living 21 Table (1-9) Felce and Perry quality of life indicators 23 Table (1-10) Schalock and Verdugo QoL indicators 24 Table (2-1) Green areas distribution 40 Table (2-2) Person s quota of different green areas 40 Table (2-3) Person s quota of green areas distributed in Cairo city 40 Table (2-4) Person s quota of green areas in international cities 40 Table (3-1) The Recreation Experience Preference scale 52 Table (3-2) The Informational Processes Theory 71 Table (4-1) The national and international case studies Table (4-2) The proposed theoretical framework Table (4-3) The impact indicators Table (5-1) The design classification criteria 118 Table (5-2) The management classification criteria 118 Table (5-3) The user s socio-economic characteristic classification criteria 118 Table (5-4) The district socio-economic characteristics classification criteria 118 Table (5-5) Urban parks in Cairo city 119 Table (5-6) Classifying urban parks in Cairo city 119 Table (5-7) The characteristics of the selected case study parks 121 Table (6-1) Site survey in Rog El Farag Park Table (6-2) Park users observations in Rog El Farag Park Table (6-3) Users interviews analysis in Rog El Farag Park Table (6-4) Park non-users interviews analysis in Rog El Farag Park Table (6-5) Park shop-owners interviews analysis in Rog El Farag Park Table (6-6) Site survey in El Thakfia Park Table (6-7) Park users observations in El Thakfia Park Table (6-8) Users interviews analysis in El Thakfia Park Table (6-9) Non- users interviews analysis in El Thakfia Park Table (6-10) Shop-owners interviews analysis in El Thakfia Park Table (6-11) Site survey in El Dawlia Park Table (6-12) Park users observations in El Dawlia Park Table (6-13) Users interviews analysis in El Dawlia Park Table (6-14) Non-users interviews analysis in El Dawlia Park Table (6-15) Shop-owners interviews analysis in El Dawlia Park Table (6-16) Site survey in El Azhar Park Table (6-17) Park users observations in El Azhar Park Table (6-18) Users interviews analysis in El Azhar Park Table (6-19) Non users interviews analysis in El Azhar Park Table (6-20) Shop-owners interviews analysis in El Azhar Park j

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15 RESEARCH SUMMARY Research Summary This research examines the relationship between urban parks and the quality of life (QoL). It aims at investigating both positive and negative impacts of urban parks on the quality of life of the city dwellers. As known, most of the Egyptian cities especially the cities in Cairo region, experience increasing signs of environmental, social, and economic stress. Phenomena related to the process of densification of the urban structure in the compact city. From this standpoint, the importance of recurring urban parks arises to remedy and mitigate the deteriorated subjective well-being and objective QoL. To fulfill that aim, this research examines the extent to which current urban parks contribute to the QoL of city dwellers, taking into account the different socio-economic classes, firstly by understanding the concept of QoL and its relation to urban parks. This relationship is being investigated on both scales: The process needed to achieve efficient parks and the expected product characteristics. A theoretical framework is produced encompassing the design and management criteria required to maximize the park positive effects and decrease its negative impact on QoL of users and non-users. The theoretical framework considers the three main domains of QoL; i.e. society, environment, and economy, and it covers eight criteria: Fulfilling users basic needs, reinforcing social ties, improving health, supporting lifelong education, expressing cultural heritage, providing a positive visual impact, enhancing the natural environment and supporting the city economy. To answer the research question, which is concerned with designing and managing park to improve QoL, four case studies that represent the diversity of urban parks in Cairo city are examined. El Azhar Park, El Dowlia Park, El Thakfia Park, and Rod El Farag Park. A multimethod research approach is used. Structured, semi-structured interviews and focus groups are conducted to users, non-users, park administration staff and representatives from agencies responsible for urban parks in Cairo city. In addition to the foregoing, behavioral observation and site survey are performed to triangulate the interview results. A stratified random sample is applied to encompass all types of users (age-gender-socio-economic class). Data are analyzed on the basis of socio-economic factors of the respondents using Microsoft Excel. The data analysis includes park general characterises, potentials and problems, objective QoL, park users observations and interviews, non-users interviews that reveal reasons behind park dereliction and finally shop-owners interviews, which record the effect of the parks on the neighbourhood micro-economy. The results indicate that the current provision of local parks (with one function) is underutilized and unable to attract and satisfy local dwellers. Design and management problems make of those parks a burden for the city economy. However, the research finds that regional park performance is better in providing significant QoL variables to the park users and the non-users in the adjacent neighbourhoods. Moreover, disparities are found among the perceptions of low, medium and high income users towards what affect the quality of their lives and what their preferences and priorities are. The research is concluded with recommendations regarding the planning, designing and managing guidelines for urban parks in Cairo city, with respect to the park accessibility (level of service) and the target users socio-economic classes. As the research confirms the profound influential impact of accessibility on the park using pattern, and the substantial reflection of socio-economic class on the needs, preferences, and aspirations of the users as well as the way to address them. Local recommendations targeting case studies to improve their efficiency are made. Furthermore, future research topics are suggested. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating the quality of life concept in open green spaces strategic planning, down to new park concept development and park k

16 RESEARCH SUMMARY refurbishment projects, to maximize the open green space and park merits, and to invest it in human development to leap a step forward toward a more sustainable city. Introduction In the last decade, we have seen, next to the concept of sustainability, the upsurge of the concept of quality of life, especially in urban regions [Van Leeuwen, Vreeker and Rodenburg, 2006]. This concept has been developed by social scientists to measure and evaluate people s wellbeing, satisfaction, and happiness. It demands, amongst other things, available and accessible social and public infrastructure to satisfy the needs of those involved and affected by it, as well as an environment without serious deterioration or pollution [Fadda and Jirón, 1999]. Quality of life concept is concerned with both national level measurements, where objective indicators are implemented as death rates, and local or society level measurements, where it tackles subjective quality of life indicators [Sirgy M.et al., 2005]. When investigating the relationship between open green spaces and quality of life it is found that access to adequate open green spaces and recreation facilities are considered in most of quality of life indicators. One of these paradigms is The Calvert-Henderson Quality of Life Indicators, which includes: Education, employment, energy, environment, health, human rights, income, infrastructure (open green spaces), national security, public safety, recreation and shelter [Henderson, 2006]. The quantity, design, management, and maintenance of urban green due to their social, ecological, visual, and economic functions influence the quality of life and liveability of cities. Parks mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization and support community engagement by providing residents with a venue for participation in and attachment to their communities. They in addition provide a sense of place and offer essential life-enhancing qualities that aid community and individual well-being [American Planning Association, 2002]. The proximity of parks, trails and greenways to neighborhoods where people live and work can influence levels of daily physical activity [Active Living by Design, 2008]. Parks are able to offer education and lifelong learning opportunities through formal education, and research and informal learning [Land Use Consultants, 2004]. The quality of green spaces helps to enhance the identity of towns and cities, which can improve their attractiveness for living, working, investment and tourism. Therefore, urban green spaces can positively contribute to the competitiveness of cities [ Levent and Nijkamp, 2004]. Despite the previous facts, the role of urban parks and green open spaces in Egypt is often underestimated and narrowed to the recreational function. The potentials of these spaces to improve both the quality of life of city dwellers and urban sustainability are not fully realized and underexploited. From this statement, the research main aim emerges, to explore the possibilities and opportunities that urban parks can offer to improve Cairo city citizens quality of life. Statement of Research Problem Most of the Egyptian cities and especially the cities in the Cairo region experience increasing signs of environmental, social and economic stress. These stresses are pronounced notably in the form of poor air quality, excessive noise, high density, traffic congestion, neighborhoods lacking basic facilities and services, increasing population and decreasing percentage of urban open green spaces. A low standard of quality of life became a fact facing Cairo city residents with different socio-economic standards, which they have to accept and deal with on daily basis. Despite the positive effect of urban parks on the societal quality of life, the urban park provision in Cairo city is not able to contribute effectively to the subjective well-being of l

17 RESEARCH SUMMARY Cairo residents, due to political and governmental underestimation and negligence. This negligence is translated into fund allocation and the lack of a proper planning process. As the planning process not only lacks a broad vision that encompasses environmental, social, and economic parameters, but also ignores engaging the users in the process as well. All previous hurdles and more, prevent parks from fulfilling a profound impact on well-being and liveability. The foregoing affect both the quantitative and qualitative parameters of open green spaces and parks. The urban parks do not only suffer from insufficient percentage and inequitable distribution, but the problem extends to the quality of the park. The result of this quality disfiguration are: Under use and abandonment of some existing parks Failure in attracting all socioeconomic classes Park users low satisfaction levels and the discontent of the surrounding residents Low esthetical qualities To summarize the research problem: Cairo city suffers from ineffective recruitment of the current provision of urban parks, as they failed to support and enhance the degraded quality of life of the city residents. This deficiency minimizes not only the role that they can perform in mitigating the adverse effects of urbanization on the social and natural environment in a sustainable way, but the positive effect of the park on the city economy as well. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an innovative strategy for planning, designing and managing urban parks, a strategy that takes into account the complex interactions between nature, economy and social systems in the urban environments, in order to redirect the government attention and funds toward park potentials. Analyzing the reasons behind this deficiency, revealing what the subjective QoL components are and proposing effective remedies to enhance the quality of life through parks, are the main dilemmas in this research. Research Aim and Objectives Enhancing the QoL through parks can be achieved by many approaches. One of these approaches is tackling the planning process, which deals with the strategic planning process, organization and structure, design and function, participation and cooperation, and finally funding procedures. Another approach is concentrating on the final product, which includes the quantity, quality and distribution of parks in the city. This is the approach applied in this research. The research concentrates on the role of design and management to achieve a high quality park. The reason for choosing the product alternative (especially the quality of the park), is to clarify the role that high quality design and management can play in compensating for the lack of space. Moreover, by highlighting the desired end-product, the process needed to reach such goal will be clearer. The Main Aim The main aim of this research is to propose local ideas to refurbish current urban parks or to guide new design concepts and management policies for new ones, in order to maximize their efficiency in enhancing social, environmental and economic conditions, through a vision that rises above only fulfilling the users current needs, to developing users skills and introducing new aspects to improve their quality of lives. In achieving such an aim a number of objectives are set: 1-Understanding the complex interactions between nature, economy, and social systems in urban environments and addressing the role of open green spaces in improving/degrading the quality of life of city dwellers. m

18 RESEARCH SUMMARY 2-Developing a methodological framework with measurable indicators that can be used to assess urban parks by means of criteria linked to the notion of quality of life. 3-Examining the proposed conceptual theoretical framework in the Egyptian context by applying it to urban parks in Cairo city to: -Gain more insight into the various characteristics and attributes of urban parks and the way they influence QoL either positively or negatively. -Identify QoL priorities for different socio-economic classes (park users or residents not using it). 4-Proposing design and management guidelines in order to enhance the contribution of urban parks to the quality of life of members from different socio-economic classes. This conclusion shall be addressed to local authorities and planners to improve the performance of current provision of urban parks and optimize urban green policies in the city. Research Questions The Main Question: How it is possible to plan, design and manage urban parks in the city to maximize their contribution to the quality of life for various users and residents, with different socioeconomic standards and cultural backgrounds, as a step toward sustainable development? The Sub- questions Are: -What is meant by Quality of life concept? How does it differ from other development concepts and how can it be measured? -Are all green spaces contributors to quality of life? Or are there certain criteria that should be fulfilled to work effectively? -Do park non-users benefit from the park existence? If yes, how? -What are the main variables regarding the users, which can affect their perception and ideas about the role of the park in enhancing their quality of life? -How can the park design and management affect positively or negatively the perceived quality of life of their users and non-users? -What are the common problems/potentials in Cairo city urban parks, which prevent/promote the park contribution to subjective and objective QoL? Answered in chapter 1 Answered in chapter 2 Answered in chapter 3&4 Answered in chapter 6 -How are factors related to parks affecting QoL are ranked in different social groups in Cairo city? Where and why does heterogeneity occur? -What park design guidelines and management actions could be recommended to emphasize the positive effect and decreases the negative impact of the park on QoL? Answered in chapter 7 Research Hypothesis The Main Hypotheses If the parks indorse design and management regimes that seek to maximize positive impacts and minimize negative ones on the social, environmental and economic environments in the park, and the surroundings, they will be more capable of n

19 PART ONE: CHAPTER 1: THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY OF LIFE CHAPTER ONE: THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY OF LIFE Quality of Life (QoL) is an area of study that has attracted an ever-increasing amount of interest over the past two decades, particularly in the areas of health, rehabilitation, disability studies, and social services, but also in medicine, education, and others. The study of Quality of Life is an examination of the influences upon the goodness and meaning in life, as well as people's happiness and well-being. The first chapter in this research is devoted to analyze the concept of quality of life. It begins with addressing what is meant by quality of life and why it s been considered as a development tool in different life domains. Fundamental issues as measuring and weighting quality of life indicators are discussed. The chapter is concluded by illustrating its role in urban development and how it could be implemented in city planning to upgrade the physical and operational outcomes, as a step toward improving the quality of life of a certain community. 1-0 Introduction The concept of quality of life represents more than the private living standards, it refers to all the elements of the conditions in which people live, that is, all their needs and requirements. This concept has been developed by social scientists to measure and evaluate people s well being, satisfaction and happiness. It demands, amongst other things, available and accessible social and public infrastructure to satisfy the needs of those involved and affected by it as well as an environment without serious deterioration or pollution [Fadda and Jirón, 1999]. The message of the word quality is compliance with previously formed judgments, or standards of comparison. So when one ponders upon quality, it means a comparison, putting objects side by side, finding the relevant attributes and ranking the differences between them [Kolenikov S., 1998]. Major studies of QoL, for example, have been sponsored by organizations such as UNESCO, the OECD, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Also a growing number of articles concerned with the mutual relationship between city development and quality of life are found under environmental psychology literature, sustainability concepts, social cohesion and economic development indexes. At the end the term quality of life has been associated with four areas of public policy and applied psychological research: Health, individual life satisfaction, objective standards of living, and sustainable development [Moser Gabriel, 2009]. 1-1 Definition of Quality of Life There does not appear to be one generally accepted definition of Quality of Life in the extensive literature which has been generated on this subject over the past thirty years. Moreover other terms, such as social well-being, social welfare, and human development are often used as equivalent or analogous terms. For example, as noted, the UN Human Development Index is often described as measuring QoL. Generally, however, QoL is seen as the product of the interaction of a number of different factors, social, health, economic, and environmental conditions, which cumulatively, and often in unknown ways, interact to affect both human and social development at the level of individuals and societies [Department of Environmental Planning, 2009]. There is a very wide range of definitions and interpretations of QoL, over 100 definitions [Galloway Susan, 2005] Why QoL Definition is Ambiguous? [Galloway Susan, 2005] The reason the term is so ambiguous is partly because of the different ways in which it is used. Its lay or common usage in public life is very loose and is based on the positive connotations of the term "quality". In contrast its usage by experts focuses more on the second dictionary definition of "quality", that is to describe the basic character or nature of 1

20 PART ONE: CHAPTER 1: THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY OF LIFE something - something that may be either positive or negative. However, even amongst experts, usage of the term is extremely varied. Within the literature, there exists confusion about what is QoL, what contributes to QoL, and what are the outcomes of QoL. Taillefer et al. note the confusing tendency of some authors to consider everything part of QoL. Unfortunately, in practice, making this distinction is not straightforward, and different authors have arrived at different conclusions. There has also been a tendency for some writers to conflate QoL with other concepts, and to use the different concepts interchangeably. The most cited examples of these are life satisfaction, happiness, well-being, health status and living conditions, all of which are sometimes used interchangeably with QoL. Referring to the literature of the 1970s and 1980s Meeberg cites a number of authors who define QoL "in terms of life satisfaction or satisfaction of needs", in other words authors who regard QoL as both uni-dimensional and subjective. Adding to the difficulties, in the early 1990s the term "health-related quality of life" emerged in distinction to "quality of life" in general. Incorrectly, healthrelated QoL and QoL are often used interchangeably Taxonomy of Quality of Life Definitions Quality of life, as a construct, has frequently been the topic of social science research, though it has been difficult to define. Researchers in the fields of economics, psychology, sociology, political science, and education quality of life have defined quality of life using different ways, a taxonomy of approaches used to define quality of life is presented in the following table. Type Global definitions Component definitions Non-research-specific Research-specific Focused definitions Explicit Implicit Combination definitions Description The most common, general, type of definition. Usually incorporate ideas of satisfaction/dissatisfaction or happiness/unhappiness. Break down QoL into a series of components, dimensions or domains, or identify the characteristics deemed essential to any evaluation of QoL. Identify a number of dimensions of general QoL, but may not necessarily claim to cover every possible dimension. Explicitly tailored to meet the objectives of a specific piece of research. May therefore overlook or exclude certain dimensions of QoL considered less relevant to the research aims. Refer only to one or a small number of the dimensions of QoL. Focus on a small number of dimensions of QoL considered essential to QoL, but does so explicitly. Focus on one or two dimensions of the broader concept of QoL, but implicitly, without making this clear. Global definitions that also specify the dimensions. Table (1-1) QoL definition taxonomy Source: [Galloway Susan, 2005] Different Quality of Life Definitions United Nations (UN) definition: The notion of human welfare (well-being) measured by social indicators rather than by ""quantitative"" measures of income and production" [United Nations Statistics Division, 2011]. The World Health Organization (WHO) definition: Individual s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value system in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns [Moser Gabriel, 2009]. 2