New Integrative Model of the Quality of Urban Life: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The study of quality of life has shifted from measuring objective living conditions to debates on human development, ultimately adopting an approach based on subjective indicators. On this premise, we aim to develop a comprehensive urban quality of life model comprising indicators specific to each of the theoretical dimensions proposed by MacLean and Salama (2019) – physical, social, economic, and welfare. The model is designed across three different geographical units of measure on a scale starting from the house and moving to the neighborhood and city. We obtained a taxonomy for urban quality of life indicators and two sets of indicators complying with it: an extended set encompassing all indicators from the 48 studies included in this systematic literature review and a condensed set with only the most frequently used indicators. Additionally, we compiled empirical results to identify emerging patterns among the variables associated with the phenomenon under study. The new integrative model proposed in this systematic review aligns with the requirements of Urban Quality of Life (UQoL), defined as a dynamic, cross-cultural, multidimensional, and multidisciplinary social phenomenon. It addresses gaps in the literature by considering all functional aspects of the environment – physical, social, and economic – along with specific city characteristics, such as urban services and facilities, accounted for at every geographic unit of measurement. Finally, we emphasize the importance of empirically operationalizing UQoL through indicators grounded in rigorous quality criteria. This lays the groundwork for future research on developing a standardized UQoL assessment tool using the indicators proposed in this study.