What makes neighborhoods livable?
The Leefbarometer (Lifebarometer), developed by the ministry of VROM in The Netherlands, is an instrument with which the livability in districts and neighborhoods can be measured objectively. Livability is defined as ‘the degree in which the environment in the neighborhood connects to the conditions and needs of the inhabitants. Safety, social cohesion, facilities, integration and other such subjects are of importance for the livability in neighborhoods’. Researcher Frank Wassenberg of Nicis Institute argues however that with this definition there are many sides to livability which makes it a challenge to find boundaries to the application of it. What can we do to keep districts and neighborhoods livable? And how can we determine whether the livability in neighborhoods is good or bad?
Three basic issues of interest to residents are:
- Cleanliness
- Safety
- Tranquility
Pollution, vandalism and safety are usually the three problem areas named by people in deprived and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Aside from this, social environment plays a key role: what does the neighborhood population look like, what about the social cohesion, what are the norms and values in regards to neighborhood behavior? Livability is also about how people live and housing allocation according to certain lifestyles.
Individuals and neighborhood livability
A couple of years ago the emphasis of livability has switched to the social position of individuals. Upward social mobility, integration and social inclusion for example became important in determining whether neighborhoods were livable or not. The focus in this respect is on:
- citizen participation
- activities for people in the neighborhood
- courses for neighbors (for example language courses and empowerment courses)
- Workguidance
According to Wassenberg livability is a broad understanding which could include a series of activities and which could employ a ton of people and organizations. The researcher therefore notices that a good overview of ‘the measures’ to enhance ‘livability’ do not exist. The website Leefbaarometer.nl of the ministry of VROM is an easy and accessible instrument which can be used by each community and municipality. It is also a unique instrument according to the researcher. It can be applied on a very low scale (postal codes, districts and neighborhoods) throughout the whole of The Netherlands. It is suggested that a likewise instrument should be used in more European neighborhoods.
Leefbaarometer.nl is only an indication
Despite its rich contents (50 indicators on 6 dimensions) the Leefbaarometer is only an indication of livability. Wassenberg therefore suggests to use the Leebaarometer in combination with information which you can find in and about the neighborhood. Also ask neighbors what they think about the neighborhood because ‘the most livable’ neighborhood does not exist for everyone. Measures to improve livability differ per district, city, neighborhood and person.
Source
Nicis Institute
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