Quality of life in high-rise apartments: a review of pathways linking the built environment to subjective well-being

Purpose This paper investigates the determinants of subjective well-being in urban environments using an integrated framework that leverages the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology. Design/methodology/approach To analyse the quality of life in urban areas of India, this study employed the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology. We conducted an extensive evaluation of the quality of life through semi-structured interviews with residents and analysed their responses individually. Findings The study found that access to public amenities and environmental quality has a positive influence on satisfaction levels, while urban congestion has a negative impact. Additionally, the incorporation of fuzzy scales allowed the analysis to capture the inherent ambiguity in human judgments regarding urban living conditions. Social implications Regional factors, such as service accessibility, environmental conditions, social components, and institutions, can have a significant impact on the urban quality of life as described by residents in high-rise buildings. Here is how each of these regional factors can influence the urban quality of life in high-rise buildings: access to essential services like healthcare, education, public transportation, and shopping can affect residents' quality of life. Originality/value The implications of this study hold significance for the design and management of urban development, highlighting the connection between the built environment and the enhancement of social cohesion, inclusivity, and overall human well-being.