Pathways from compact city to subjective well-being: evidence from Oslo, Norway

Improving quality of life (QOL) in cities is an increasingly critical issue with the rise of urban populations worldwide, caused by rapid population growth and urbanisation processes. As the physical characteristics of cities change to accommodate new residents, a deeper knowledge of the relationship between the built environment and QOL in cities can play a catalytic role in present and future urban development. The pathways between the built environment and subjective well-being, and the subjective measurement of QOL, are discussed using survey data from Oslo, Norway. The contribution of life domains- health, social relationships, leisure activities, neighbourhood satisfaction, emotional response to neighbourhood, and satisfaction with daily travel, which can be influenced by the built environment- to subjective well-being are discussed. Components of subjective well-being- life satisfaction, emotional well-being and eudaimonia- are analysed, especially focusing on the pathways between built environment and subjective well-being. Policy implications for urban planning are discussed.