The effects of planned urban development on the comfort of healthy urban living

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine and identify the factors that may contribute to increase the comfort of healthy urban living. Currently, most of the mega cities are facing tremendous problems, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, narrow streets, Shanti-towns and slums, and open sewer. Many homeless people are trying to save themselves in temporary tents and shacks without proper amenities of life. This study attempts to address these issues and focuses on finding feasible and acceptable solutions for increasing the comfort of healthy urban living for all urban dwellers. The major findings of this study suggest that planned urban development is the key to increase in the comfort of healthy urban living. This study is conceptual in nature. However, the theoretical model suggests that building straight and wide roads and highways, constructing healthy urban residences, establishing efficient, fast and comfortable urban transportation, building wide open urban parks, high quality academic and training institutions, state of the art health care delivery system including high quality hospitals, building physical exercise and sports facilities in urban areas, establishing renewable energy sources for securing continuous and permanent energy supply and protecting heritage, culture and historical monuments and art-effects may contribute greatly to enrich and increase the comfort of healthy urban living. This study is one of the latest attempts to emphasis the need for planned urban development which is expected to increase the comfort of healthy urban living. This study will be immensely useful to urban planners, governments, municipalities, policy makers, research scholars, NGOs, and academicians across the globe.