Scott Cloutier

Public Parks and Wellbeing in Urban Areas of the United States

Sustainable development efforts in urban areas often focus on understanding and managing factors that influence all aspects of health and wellbeing. Research has shown that public parks and green space provide a variety of physical, psychological, and social benefits to urban residents, but few studies have examined the influence of parks on comprehensive measures of subjective wellbeing at the city level. Using 2014 data from 44 U.S. cities, we evaluated the relationship between urban park quantity, quality, and accessibility and aggregate self-reported scores on the Gallup-Healthways Wellbeing Index (WBI), which considers five different domains of wellbeing (e.g., physical, community, social, financial, and purpose). In addition to park-related variables, our best-fitting OLS regression models selected using an information theory approach controlled for a variety of other typical geographic and socio-demographic correlates of wellbeing. Park quantity (measured as the percentage of city area covered by public parks) was among the strongest predictors of overall wellbeing, and the strength of this relationship appeared to be driven by parks’ contributions to physical and community wellbeing. Park quality (measured as per capita spending on parks) and accessibility (measured as the overall percentage of a city’s population within ½ mile of parks) were also positively associated with wellbeing, though these relationships were not significant. Results suggest that expansive park networks are linked to multiple aspects of health and wellbeing in cities and positively impact urban quality of life.

Are sustainable cities “happy” cities? Associations between sustainable development and human well-being in urban areas of the United States

In this paper, we assess the associations between self-reported happiness, measured using the Gallup Healthways Well-Being Index (2012), and four US city sustainability indices: the Green City Index (2011), Our Green Cities (2012), Popular Science US City Rankings (2008) and the SustainLane US Green City Rankings (2007). Based on the examination of nonparametric, rank-based correlations, we found positive associations between sustainable development and happiness on all scales and statistically significant correlations for two of the four SD indices. Results support previous research, emphasize the value of explicit consideration of happiness when measuring urban sustainability and highlight the need for future research that assesses the influence of specific subsystems of urban development on self-reported happiness.

Conclusion from the Editors

The final chapter brings together the global perspectives on quality of life and community well being to inspire and prompt future research and applied work in these fields.

Chapter House: A Vision for a Sustainable Future

Since the Long Walks of the 1860s Navajo people have wrestled with the problems of acculturation and assimilation, while simultaneously trying to preserve their spiritual and cultural foundations. Though history has negatively affected Navajo wellbeing (happiness), sustainable Navajo principles and practices act as a positive counterweight. Aspiring to build the most socially and environmentally sustainable chapter house possible, the Navajo Nation’s Tonalea Chapter approached our research team for insight and advice on replacement of their existing chapter house. Two visioning sessions were held, with an ASU team facilitating a wide ranging discussion of project context and history as well as some cultural background. During two roundtable discussion with Chapter elders and members, the team began creating a vision that embodies physical, functional and environmental conditions, as well as cultural and spiritual beliefs and values. Initially, Houde’s (2007) Six Faces of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) were used to sort commentary. Analysis and review led to expanding the framework from six to eight traditional ecological knowledge categories (TEK8): Culture, Spirituality, Ecosystem, Time, Land, Design, Social Justice and Equity, and Economics. Sorted narratives and discussions revealed traditional ways of life, beliefs, and values as popular topics, along with suggestions about whom to design for, and what functions are most needed. Based on the TEK8 categorized comments, design recommendations were offered. Additional work is needed, but a strong foundation for a framework mapping TEK to sustainable design for indigenous people has been developed. By using the TEK8 to address social justices issues through participatory visioning, culturally appropriate design and broader opportunities for happiness may result.

Happiness: An Alternative Objective for Sustainable Community Development

Happiness is often reduced to an individual characteristic, solely the responsibility of its owner. However, happiness also is a community characteristic that is influenced by and helps to shape conditions external to the individual. This chapter explores the interdependence of individual happiness, community well-being, and sustainability and argues for individual happiness as an alternative objective for sustainable community development. First, a review of the strengths and limitations of mainstream community development frameworks is performed. Individual happiness is then presented as a missing link between sustainable community development and community well-being. We introduce the Sustainability Through Happiness Framework (STHF) as a conceptual path for sustainable community development. Finally, the chapter concludes by considering the contributions and challenges of a framework focused on individual happiness.