The Melbourne Journey Towards Improved City Liveability: A Revival of a Dead City (Case of Melbourne CBD)

Abstract

: Achieving liveable communities in cities has gained growing interest worldwide over the past twenty years. It is evident in various scientific literature arguing the livability notion from different scientific disciplines, such as social and environmental science. Indeed, the Liveability notion is ambiguous and complex that is perceived differentially according to each scientific discipline’s perspective. Moreover, establishing a consensus over a united understanding of the “Liveability Dimensions” term might be unreachable. Despite having appeared repetitively among various academic studies, the intended meaning and content of the “Liveability Dimensions” term is not necessarily held the same. Indeed, several scholars and organizations have defined the Liveability dimensions. However, every one of them has introduced his comprehension of Liveability dimensions based on his perspective or experience drawn from other scholars’ research. Through a case study analysis, this paper intends to establish a general understanding and background for the Liveability notion and shed light on the practical meaning of the Liveability Dimensions. The study was conducted in one of the top liveable cities worldwide, the City of Melbourne CBD. It is a city that is referred to be among the pioneers interested in the field of achieving liveable cities over the globe. The case study analysis was performed based on three main categories that combined reflected the livability dimensions: Physical and Environmental Indices, Economic Indices, and Social Indices. Through the study analysis, this paper concluded with a set of urban, economic, and social indices that contribute to creating Liveable city centers, where people, in the same area, can live, work, and entertain.