Urban Quality of Life: Critical Issues and Options

In recent years, the issue of quality of life has increasingly become an area of attention in cities around the world. Studies have been undertaken to measure quality of life, both in terms of the tangible and verifiable aspects of material wealth, physical health and opportunity for recreation as well as subjective responses of people to their living environments in terms of satisfaction and well-being. When seen in the context of city living, quality of life represents a key issue in the evaluation of a city's living environment. The essays in this book are drawn from the first international conference held in Singapore on the subject of 'Quality of Life in Cities'. Grouped in three broad categories, the papers discuss issues of definition and measurement of quality of life in cities, quality of life studies conducted in particular countries and alternative perspectives and approaches for future quality of life study. The book seeks to introduce the reader to the breadth of critical issues and options available in the study of urban quality of life.