Residents’ Perception of Livability: A Case Study of Quaid-E-Azam Town (Township), Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Livability is a concept that has various dimensions and is used to measure the Quality of Life (QOL). In the context of Pakistan, most of the cities/neighbourhoods are not planned to look like livable cities/neighbourhoods. Lahore, the capital of Punjab, was ranked at 199th position in 2015 as per Economist Intelligent Unit’s (EIU) livability ranking. This research article focused on a planned neighbourhood (Quaid-e-Azam Town (Township) Scheme) to assess the perception of residents’ regarding livability in their area. A framework of research has been developed based on seven indicators of livability: Housing, Neighbourhood, Transportation, Environment, Health, Engagement, and Opportunities. A total 998 respondents were surveyed for each indicator and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis showed that Health and Environmental indicators are at the lowest level as compared to other indicators of livability. Moreover, livability can be improved if road networks are made efficient and recreational activities are increased as livable neighbourhoods can help to improve the QOL of residents, which is one of the determining factors in achieving liveability in general and QOL as whole.

Measuring the sustainability of neighborhoods: A systematic literature review

“…Consequently, for a place to be livable, it should provide a livelihood to its inhabitants and preserve the environment. 62 This definition is similar to Tanguay et al.’s 33 definition of livability: the interaction between the social and environmental sustainability dimensions. Following this definition, we placed walkability, environmental quality (air quality, thermal comfort, lighting and visual comfort, acoustic comfort, and psychological comfort), GHG emissions, waste management, water management, and water pollution criteria into this factor.…”

“…For example, some of the indicators defining livability are convenient transportation, proximity to basic amenities, health, safety, affordability, environmental quality, social engagement, and economic and educational opportunities. 62 , 63 , 64 …”