NMBU
By investigating this topic, the project (a) improves the state-of-the-art of scientific knowledge on quality of life in cities and (b) contributes to scientific debates on environmental versus social sustainability of cities since the urban form can influence both environmental (eg emissions, land consumption, pollution) and social (eg SWB) sustainability. Such knowledge can have a significant societal impact, providing practitioners and policymakers with input on how to enhance quality of life in present and future cities.
Empirical investigations are based in Oslo metropolitan area, which constitutes a good case for this type of research due to the high variety of urban forms present within the same geographical and cultural context. The research follows a mixed-methods approach. Data are collected through survey and interviews, both developed and conducted for the purposes of this project, and are analyzed with both quantitative and qualitative methods.
This project develops, applies, and assesses a new theory on urban form and SWB. According to this theory, urban form can influence certain life domains (personal relationships, leisure activities, health, and neighborhood impact on emotions and mood) which in turn influence SWB measures (life satisfaction, hedonic well-being, and eudaimonia). The project also develops, applies, and assesses a new theory on urban form and personal relationships, which is a major life domain of SWB previously understudied for its relation to urban form.
Researchers
Petter Næss
Professor emeritus