Maximising the degree of user choice: a simple tool to measure current levels of quality of life in urban environments

In this article, a simple tool based on Max-Neef et al.’s (1991) Human-Scale Development paradigm to measure current levels of Quality of Life (QoL) for urban environments is presented. Fundamental human needs form the study domains. The process of the system definition and the survey creation is explained. Questions are then classified into needs as the outcome of two consecutive processes: a qualitative one involving both local communities and/or expert groups, and a quantitative one involving the definition of question weights. Complementarily, objective indicators are added, allowing a comparison between subjective and objective data towards an integrative result. In summary, this method can be used to define more holistic urban quality indexes in order to improve decision making processes, policies and plans. At the same time it can be seen as a tool to enhance bottom-up approaches and processes of urban analysis in order to create more liveable places for the dwellers