The landscape as a “complex indicator” of urban sustainability and quality of life of city inhabitants

Abstract

As mentioned in Chap. 1, the debate about the sustainable city and the quality of life of city inhabitants is like a large arena where heterogeneous approaches and contributions from different sectors meet, without ever converging on a common vision. Consequently, it is difficult to identify effective models to assess urban policies, plans, and projects to address the challenge of sustainability. The sectoral cultural approach to themes of urban sustainability and improving the quality of life in cities has extended from scientific research to plans and projects for transformation. A comparison of different possible project alternatives and monitoring of the results of policies and plans over time is often lacking, as well as an open dialogue between researchers and political and social actors (Bertuglia et al. 2004).