Counting purpose and connection could reveal overlooked benefits of bike paths and parks
Researchers from the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney argue that urban planning should account for 'eudaimonic well-being'—a sense of purpose and connection—when evaluating public infrastructure projects. Current models focus too heavily on travel efficiency and basic life satisfaction.
Why it matters
Incorporating psychological and social benefits into urban design could lead to more effective government spending and higher quality of life in growing cities.
by Dianne Vella-Brodrick, Janet Stanley, John Stanley, David Hensher, University of Melbourne
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain It's often the sight of heavy digging machinery that makes us question how our taxes and property taxes are being spent. As a new project begins, we may wonder why money is being spent on that and not on other things.
When governments decide whether to fund a new bike path, redesign a street or create a park in a growing suburb, they typically focus on travel-related benefits, like saving travel time and avoiding accidents.
These benefits (known as benefit measurements) often focus on simple, practical elements—on getting from A to B.
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