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Sustainable Development of Regions and Cities: Improvements in Planning and the Inhabitants’ Quality of Life

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 10882

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Geography, Technical University of Liberec, 461 17 Liberec, Czech Republic
Interests: social geography; quality of life; satisfaction with life; well-being; happiness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra, Slovakia
Interests: urban green; landscape planning; landscape ecology; environmental politics; sustainable development; urban sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, though the concept of sustainable development has gained sufficient traction worldwide, certain questions have been raised regarding its relevance. Less developed countries (according to the criteria of the United Nations) rightly point to the fact that developed countries raise the issue of sustainability only after they have achieved a high level of development, associated with a an improved standard of living of their inhabitants. Corporations based in these countries relocate their production processes—which significantly contributes to environmental pollution— to that of the less developed countries.

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the urgency to prioritize sustainable development and take stringent measures to promote it have become rather evident. The global cognizance of the fact that the only way to achieve economic sustainability is the re-orientation of the current consumer society towards a sustainable consumption society is a notable step forward.

This Special Issue aims to collate papers that address the theoretical questions and practical outputs concerning cities/regions and the quality of people’s everyday life. We seek to focus on the intensive development of sustainability, particularly on the “soft factors”, which include quality of life and related concepts of well-being, satisfaction with life and happiness, as well as concepts of good life and good governance. These factors are irrefutably are at the forefront of developing sustainable cities and regions.

We cordially invite scholars working in the domain of sustainable city development to submit their valuable manuscripts. 

Dr. František Murgaš
Prof. Dr. František Petrovič
Dr. Peter Mederly
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainability
  • quality of life
  • well-being
  • happiness
  • satisfaction with life
  • good life
  • sustainable development
  • urban development
  • regional development
  • sustainable consumption
  • sustainable quality of life
  • sustainable well-bein
  • sustainable happiness
  • sustainable life satisfaction
  • sustainable good life
  • sustainability of social processes

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2327 KiB  
Article
Impact of Regional Disparities in Social Capital and Its Components on Quality of Life
by František Murgaš, Anna Tirpáková and František Petrovič
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10045; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210045 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 328
Abstract
According to the prevailing opinion, social capital is one of the most robust indicators of quality of life (QoL). We ask whether this insight applies to Slovakia, as well, on the basis of understanding social capital not as one holistic concept but as [...] Read more.
According to the prevailing opinion, social capital is one of the most robust indicators of quality of life (QoL). We ask whether this insight applies to Slovakia, as well, on the basis of understanding social capital not as one holistic concept but as a set of interrelated components, which are trust, networks, and norms. The paper has two goals, the first of which is to determine the amount of social capital, its components, and QoL, as well as its spatial disparities, at a district level. In this case, the goal is to determine the quantity of the investigated variables. The data source is the World Value Survey, Round 7, in which Slovakia also participated. The second goal is to find out how social capital and its components affect the QoL in individual districts. In other words, we would like to determine the quality of the impact of social capital and its components on the QoL. The result is the knowledge that social capital as a whole reaches significantly lower values than the QoL and is not a predictor of the QoL in Slovakia. At the same time, however, disparities in the impact of social capital and its components on the QoL have high values. This knowledge challenges the understanding of holistic social capital as a robust indicator of QoL. Full article
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15 pages, 4592 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Leisure Activities and Residential Intentions in Depopulated Areas: A Case Study of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture
by Taiki Mashio, Yuma Morisaki and Makoto Fujiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219339 - 28 Oct 2024
Viewed by 497
Abstract
Population outflow from rural areas represents a significant social issue in Japan. Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications suggest that insufficient leisure options contribute to rural residents’ decisions to relocate. This study aims to examine the relationship between subjective well-being [...] Read more.
Population outflow from rural areas represents a significant social issue in Japan. Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications suggest that insufficient leisure options contribute to rural residents’ decisions to relocate. This study aims to examine the relationship between subjective well-being and the intention to reside in a specific region, considering the diversity of leisure activities available to rural residents. Our findings indicate that enhancing leisure activities improves subjective well-being but does not necessarily strengthen residents’ intentions to reside in the area. Notably, those partaking in wider areas for leisure activities exhibited a lower inclination to stay in the region. This study contributes to the understanding necessary for developing sustainable rural societies. Full article
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19 pages, 4554 KiB  
Article
Resilience Evaluation and Renovation Strategies of Public Spaces in Old Communities from a Disaster-Adaptive Perspective
by Qin Li, Shaomin Peng, Zonghao Chen, Han Du, Yijun Liu and Wenlong Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6823; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166823 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1323
Abstract
Old community districts grapple with issues such as antiquated infrastructure and functional designs that fail to meet contemporary needs. These limitations lead to diminished disaster resistance and a reduced quality of life for inhabitants. Public spaces within these antiquated districts can function as [...] Read more.
Old community districts grapple with issues such as antiquated infrastructure and functional designs that fail to meet contemporary needs. These limitations lead to diminished disaster resistance and a reduced quality of life for inhabitants. Public spaces within these antiquated districts can function as sanctuaries during calamities, enhancing the community’s disaster response efficacy and expediting post-disaster recovery, which is vital for effective disaster management. Nevertheless, the disaster-resilience attributes of public spaces in these old districts have not been sufficiently researched. This study focused on three representative old communities in Beijing, analyzing and contrasting their disaster resilience attributes and various community types. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process, a hierarchical structural model was formulated, examining the public spatial structure, function, transportation, and ecology. A comprehensive analysis was then conducted to identify the resilience characteristics that public spaces in old communities should possess. The findings indicated that the prioritization of the four criteria—ecological space, transit space, spatial function, and spatial structure—in the development of disaster-resilient public spaces in communities increases progressively. The renovation to increase the disaster-resilience of old communities should concentrate on optimizing the spatial structure layout of the community, enhancing the integrity, openness, and coherence of public spaces; imbuing public spaces with versatile and multifaceted functions, and establishing hierarchical distribution systems; ensuring transit spaces cater to both everyday use and disaster exigencies, maintaining unimpeded traffic flow under all conditions; and creating multi-tiered ecological spaces to bolster resilience during disasters while enhancing daily aesthetics. This research enriches the strategies for the disaster-resilient renovation of public spaces in old communities, offering precise and scientific references to improve community disaster resilience and emergency response capabilities. Full article
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19 pages, 2503 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Measures Undertaken to Improve the Quality of Life in the Problem Areas: A Case Study in Warmia and Mazury Region in Poland
by Hubert Kryszk, Krystyna Kurowska and Renata Marks-Bielska
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166786 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 843
Abstract
State agencies set up to manage the agricultural properties of the State Treasury, in subsequent years of their operation, have been implementing programs that are also intended to improve the social and living situation of the inhabitants of former state-owned farm villages. Such [...] Read more.
State agencies set up to manage the agricultural properties of the State Treasury, in subsequent years of their operation, have been implementing programs that are also intended to improve the social and living situation of the inhabitants of former state-owned farm villages. Such measures include non-refundable financial support distributed by the National Support Centre for Agriculture (NSCA). The research aimed to assess whether non-refundable financial aid improves the quality of life of local communities living in rural areas, particularly in former state-owned farm areas identified as problem areas. Another objective aspect of the research was to indicate the importance of this assistance in the opinion of the beneficiaries of this form of support (district authorities) and local communities. Improvement of the quality of life of rural inhabitants and support for the development of rural areas by local governments can be achieved by taking advantage of potential development factors and opportunities emerging in the environment and by being able to establish effective cooperation with various institutions. For local development to proceed smoothly, especially in rural areas, various institutions and economic players need to reach a consensus, become involved, and work together efficiently. A possible instrument to achieve this is the non-repayable financial support distributed by the National Support Centre for Agriculture (NSCA), which-according to the research-brings measurable effects. Full article
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19 pages, 1341 KiB  
Article
Population Aging and the Potential for Developing a Silver Economy in the Polish National Cittaslow Network
by Wioletta Wierzbicka and Eliza Farelnik
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6768; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166768 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 951
Abstract
The objective of this study has been to diagnose the demographic situation of older people in municipalities that belong to the Polish National Cittaslow Network, and to assess their potential for developing a local silver economy. The study covered all 36 municipalities that [...] Read more.
The objective of this study has been to diagnose the demographic situation of older people in municipalities that belong to the Polish National Cittaslow Network, and to assess their potential for developing a local silver economy. The study covered all 36 municipalities that compose the Polish National Cittaslow Network. The following research methods were employed: a critical review of the literature, analysis of secondary data, including strategic development planning documents, and quantitative methods, including a method of grouping objects on the basis of a synthetic variable. The study has demonstrated that nearly all Cittaslow municipalities experienced a decrease in population during the analyzed period, which coincided with a growing share of the non-working-age population. This attests to the ongoing process of population aging. A significant challenge that the analyzed municipalities faced was determined to be the growing demographic burden. Based on a synthetic indicator of the potential for silver economy development, the municipalities were divided into five classes: very high, high, medium, low, and very low potential. Interestingly, most of the municipalities are now distinguished as having medium, low, or very low potential for the development of the silver economy. The analysis presented in this article contributes to further research on factors and tools shaping a development policy that may influence the development of the silver economy in the Cittaslow municipalities of Poland and the world. Full article
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25 pages, 3899 KiB  
Article
Satisfaction Evaluation and Sustainability Optimization of Urban Medical Facilities Based on Residents’ Activity Data in Nanjing, China
by Yang Cao, Hao Wu, Linyi Zhou, Feng Ding, Qi Xu, Yan Liu, Hao Xu and Xi Lu
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5487; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135487 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 815
Abstract
Research on public service facility evaluation has mainly focused on spatial accessibility and facility quality from a supply perspective, but has rarely focused on the evaluation of service facilities from a usage perspective. Researchers can observe the service quality, frequency of use, functional [...] Read more.
Research on public service facility evaluation has mainly focused on spatial accessibility and facility quality from a supply perspective, but has rarely focused on the evaluation of service facilities from a usage perspective. Researchers can observe the service quality, frequency of use, functional connotation, satisfaction level, and other aspects of facilities from the user’s perspective, effectively compensating for the disadvantage of insufficient precision in traditional macro statistical data. This study proposes a new method for evaluating medical facility usage and service quality based on residents’ activity data. We established an evaluation index system from the perspective of residents’ activity by measuring intensity, frequency, and service satisfaction through network grading data and online comments context. Then, we evaluated the supply and demand relationship of medical facilities, identifying the influencing factors of medical satisfaction. We have also proposed specific strategies for sustainable optimization of medical services. The results show that (1) the service attitude (0.024, 0.002**), service efficiency (0.133, 0.001*), and service quality (0.017, 0.001**) of medical institutions are the core factors that affect medical satisfaction, followed by the convenience of residents in accessing medical resources, showing a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01, Total R2 = 0.9061); and (2) the medical service level in Nanjing City is generally balanced, although spatial heterogeneity exists in the Qixia and Jiangning boroughs. Full article
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24 pages, 3504 KiB  
Article
Defining Sustainable Placemaking in Spatial Planning: Lessons from a South African Case Study
by Wessel Strydom, Karen Puren and Ernst Drewes
Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5378; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135378 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1310
Abstract
This study explores the concept of sustainable placemaking from a spatial planning perspective, focusing on Marabastad, a township in South Africa. Drawing on the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, this research seeks to understand how placemaking can contribute to the creation [...] Read more.
This study explores the concept of sustainable placemaking from a spatial planning perspective, focusing on Marabastad, a township in South Africa. Drawing on the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, this research seeks to understand how placemaking can contribute to the creation of liveable, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. Through a review of the placemaking literature and a case study, this study examines the evolution of placemaking towards sustainability and its application in diverse cultural, geographic, and socio-economic contexts. The findings reveal the importance of creating and enhancing places that are environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, economically viable, and culturally meaningful. The Marabastad case study illustrates the challenges and possibilities of sustainable placemaking in a multicultural and urbanising community. Economic interventions (e.g., tourism promotion and community markets), social interventions (e.g., education and community events), and environmental interventions (e.g., infrastructure upgrades and preservation of cultural sites) are proposed to address the complex challenges faced by Marabastad. This study emphasises the role of spatial planners in advancing theories and practises of sustainable placemaking, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches to promote inclusive and resilient urban environments. Full article
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23 pages, 4890 KiB  
Article
Architectural and Urban Changes in a Residential Environment—Implications for Design Science
by Renata Jóźwik
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3987; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103987 - 10 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2072
Abstract
Current spatial changes involving broad urban landscapes affect people’s perceptions of their surroundings, sense of place, and attachment to a place, constituting a disruption to these. As a result, on a social scale, they translate into people’s well-being. The following study of the [...] Read more.
Current spatial changes involving broad urban landscapes affect people’s perceptions of their surroundings, sense of place, and attachment to a place, constituting a disruption to these. As a result, on a social scale, they translate into people’s well-being. The following study of the impact of large-scale architectural and urban developments on the place of residence is based on the assumption that physical space determines the quality of life in the living place and the changes in the process condition residents to adapt to their new surroundings—based on the three pillars of place, people, and process (3Ps). The article consists of two parts. The first is theoretical, which conceptualises spatial change based on the theory of human dependence on place. The second part–an empirical study—discusses the transformation of the post-industrial area of Bicocca (Milan), which, 40 years after the intervention, has led to conclusions and recommendations for urban planning. The results demonstrate the different sensitivities of the urban areas to the process of functional–spatial change, the essence of the accessibility of public space, public facilities, and transport infrastructure. The planning process can positively influence social adaptation to spatial change mitigation. Residential areas may be subject to additional protection procedures. The study is relevant to a sustainable planning process in the inevitable transformation of urban areas. The interdisciplinary nature of the issue prompts the integration of research findings and knowledge transfer in the socio-technological subsystem (STS). Full article
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33 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life as a Limiting Factor in the Development of the Region along the Great Bačka Canal (Serbia)
by Milan Lalić, Milka Bubalo Živković, Bojan Đerčan and Dragana Tekić
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062391 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1675
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study of the regional–demographic characteristics and the quality of life of the population of Central Bačka, carried out in five municipalities along the Great Bačka Canal (June–August 2022). It included 870 respondents (0.5% of the total [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of a study of the regional–demographic characteristics and the quality of life of the population of Central Bačka, carried out in five municipalities along the Great Bačka Canal (June–August 2022). It included 870 respondents (0.5% of the total adult population). This is a region that has considerable potential for satisfaction with quality of life; however, the studied area has undergone socioeconomic stagnation, so it was necessary to analyze the effect that the activities of all the existing natural and anthropogenic elements could have on mitigating the negative trends of development in an area where the staple of the economy is agricultural production and which was one of the most-developed areas in Serbia. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that impact the perceptions of the population regarding quality of life in the settlements of Central Bačka to define measures that could improve their quality of life. The hypothesis was that, based on the identified factors, the population is not satisfied with their quality of life, which could have a significant impact on demographic trends; there are statistically significant differences in the attitudes of the respondents surrounding basic standard-of-living elements, depending on their sociodemographic characteristics. The instrument used in the study consisted of two parts. The first part of the questionnaire was designed to compile the sociodemographic features of the participants, and the second part was used to study the indicators that determine quality of life. The non-parametric techniques used in this study were the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The results indicated a medium or low degree of satisfaction with most of the indicators, confirming the proposed hypothesis regarding differences in the subjective perception of well-being compared to the sociodemographic characteristics of the studied population. Full article
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