Studying and Complying Dimensions, Indicators and Variables Related to a Happy City

Abstract

Nowadays, social vitality is one of the most important needs of human communities, as citizens particularly those living in megacities have less opportunity to think about themselves and their needs, and may suffer from depression. As happiness is influenced by numerous structures of urban community, it also can influence development process as well as excellence of citizens and urban society; thus, this subject has been studied more from a psychological and sociological point of view. Accordingly, all the indicators influencing happiness in city should be considered in planning to have a happy city. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate and identify criteria and sub-criteria of a happy city, as well as determining importance of these variables.

In this study, the research method is mixed in terms of data type; fundamental in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in terms of the method of research. Qualitative data were collected using the documentary method and open questionnaire (first round of the Delphi method) and text analysis. Quantitative data were collected using the cross-sectional survey method with experts’ questionnaires (the Delphi technique in three rounds). Sample size included 30 Iranian academic authors; that were selected using purposive sampling method.

Results showed that, among 5 dimensions of happy city planning, economic, managerial-administrative are substantial, respectively. Among indicators, welfare and health were identified as the most significant indicators. Efficient management, social justice, mental-moral health, citizenship rights, income level, quality of life, urban security rate, and having a proper job were considered as the most important variables.