Can sustainable urban planning determine people’s happiness and well-being?

O planejamento urbano sustentável pode determinar a felicidade e o bem-estar das pessoas?

ABSTRACT

Purpose

This study was designed to present how urban planning is associated with, and explain psychological well-being, health, time use, education, cultural diversity and resilience, community vitality, good governance, ecological diversity, resilience, and living standards. We used Gross National Happiness Index (GNH) as theoretical background.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative and explanatory research was conducted and operationalized through a survey of 212 citizens. We used data from a mid-sized city, inner Santa Catarina state, Brazil.

Findings

The linear regression showed that urban planning predicts happiness and well-being. More specifically, urban planning impacts more time use perception; community vitality; ecological diversity and resilience; and most important, living standards.

Research implications

we found that urban planning impacts more on the variables that are directly related to the environment, explained by the pillars of sustainable socio-economic development and environmental conservation. The individual and psychological dimensions related to health, culture, and education don’t show the same impact, as well as good governance.

Originality/value:

a potential study to be used by government agencies to act directly in the elaboration of public policies once it is understood that using the GNH can identify specific deficits.

Keywords:
Economic Development; Sustainability; Gross National Happiness Index