Liveability Assessment Methodology in Residential Apartments

Abstract

India has witnessed a widespread urbanization. With this the cities are expected to hold 70% of the world’s population by 2050. UN reports (2011) suggest increase in urban migration as a relatively recent phenomenon impacting especially large cities at a rapid pace. This also underlines the concern about the quality of life in such cities wherein apartments are an inevitable option for residential building types. This trend is well established in most of the fast growing metros and cities in India. Hence, it is very vital that the customers involved in purchase of such these apartments have a methodology to evaluate the quality of life. As a value for investment, the buyer would then prefer to compare the prospective alternative apartments on the parameters defining quality of life. The research supports the notion that the determinants of quality of life can be identified to define ‘Liveability’. This paper attempts to develop an assessment methodology over an extensive range of factors that directly affect the liveability for occupants and ranks these factors through a survey of residents and architects as the key stakeholders in creation of apartment as a solution for residential accommodation in contemporary cities.