Elements of Theoretical Integration Between Quality of Life, Urbanism, and Architecture: Needs, Satisfiers, and Capacities

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to build a theoretical framework to connect the multidimensional concept of quality of life with spatial disciplines like architecture and urbanism. These disciplines play a role in shaping environments to enhance or diminish the well-being of their users. The study groundwork poses that quality of life intricately relates to the satisfaction of human needs. Diverse concept proposals support this argument, including Maslow (1943), Max Neef et al. (1986), Sen (1996), and Veenhoven (2000). A theoretical framework, applicable to the analysis and design of architectural and urban spaces, emerges as the result of integrating these perspectives. The study presents a theoretical framework to analyze the quality of life in urban and architectural contexts: posing spatial needs, defining the spatial attributes to satisfy them, and proposing a taxonomy of spatial satisfiers. The model recommend that these disciplines must provide all the spatial capabilities that lead to the creation of synergistic environments, meaning that they allow several spatial needs to be met simultaneously and promote the comprehensive development of users in their living spaces. Additionally, this theoretical model suggests balancing multiple human needs, can be used in different contexts and has an iterative nature. Fundamental purpose is to understand urban and architectural dynamics and serve as a framework for proposals with a more humanistic approach.