A feel-good city is one that considers and prioritises the social well-being of its citizens. Cities that overlook this run the risk of a transient population, diminishing quality of life for existing communities, and residents who feel isolated and voiceless to take agency over their built environment. Social value emerges when interventions have a net positive impact on the standard of living for people, planetary health and the prosperity of the economy. These are aspects systemically intertwined and mutually reinforcing.
While there is no universally-agreed definition for social value, a toolkit developed by C40 Cities and Ramboll Foundation defined the four dimensions of social value as a measure of Quality of Life, Social Cohesion, Empowerment, and Equity*.
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Quality of Life
Before thinking about how individuals relate to one another, it is important to first identify how basic needs and aspirations may be addressed within the urban realm. Our Well-being research established them as the following: accessibility to affordable housing, public transportation, nature, amenities, healthcare, arts and culture, as well as opportunities for work, education, play. Once these fundamental needs are catered for, it sets a foundation for an enhanced standard of living. Qualitative aspects such as giving back meaningfully to the wider society can be pursued. Thus, enabling people to form connections and sustain relationships at their pace with stakeholders of the ecosystem.
Social Cohesion
Acknowledging our need for interpersonal interactions, cities planned with ample space and engagement opportunities can assist in strengthening the social fabric. Accordingly, encourage trust and dependency among neighbours. Accordingly, these spaces foster trust and dependency among neighbours. Third Places that are welcoming and easily accessible play a key role in cultivating social bonds – whether existing or new. Having such infrastructure can enhance cohesion and resilience. Thereby allowing communities to be organically formed through robust, supportive social systems that can weather challenging times.
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Empowerment
A sense of agency in the built environment is empowered when urban spaces make room for co-creation and participation. In Singapore, opportunities ranging from bottom-up initiatives or organisational voluntarism are actively made available for anyone to be a part of. At WY-TO, we believe that when people “do good”, they feel good. This can drive tangible societal change, such as, participating in social and environmental causes that improve the live experience for all in the city. For instance, initiating a fully community-managed library at the void deck of an affordable housing block. Initiatives like this can ripple positive side effects to enrich a unique place identity, forge memories and neighbourhoods that people feel rooted to.
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Equity
Equity recognises that for everyone to thrive, there should be more provisions catered for vulnerable groups in affording the same experience enjoyed by the majority and minimise urban inequity. Oftentimes, it can be a simple gesture involving modifications to infrastructures for the young, old and differently-abled to utilise public spaces and shared amenities. Inclusive environments that celebrate diversity pave the way for every member of the society to be self-reliant and comfortable in navigating the city independently with dignity.
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Neighbourliness flourishes when people feel a sense of attachment and ownership. When needs are properly supported with fair access and opportunities by a consciously designed built environment, people are empowered to contribute to the change they want to see. This shared agency allows individuals to actively engage in curating a space that ultimately transforms into a place. This is what our well-being research advocates in designing a socially cohesive, ‘feel-good’ city with resilient communities that care for one another.
