A Holistic Approach for Measuring Quality of Life in “La Condesa” Neighbourhood in Mexico City

Abstract

This paper presents our approach for computing an index of quality of life1 (QoL) through a data science methodology considering quantitative and qualitative measures. Our methodology seeks to help to promote the maximisation of a holistic2 return of investment that we propose and name elasticity of quality of life (E-QoL). E-QoL models and calibrates variables associated to social, economic, cultural, psychological, health perspectives to find an “optimum” composite benefit including economic and “wellbeing” aspects. Our notion of return of investment expressed by the E-QoL is holistic because it considers different objective and subjective perspectives to provide a multi-facet understanding of QoL and the way it can impact the perception of citizens about their wellbeing (e.g., happiness, self-fulfilment, satisfaction). Wellbeing is an immaterial perception difficult to measure. Yet, supported by studies on the impact of quality of life on wellbeing perception, our claim is that studying measurable variables and combining them in a Mathematical model it can be possible to analyse and understand wellbeing subjective perception. Studying wellbeing subjective perception under different objective and subjective views to provide a holistic study of QoL. Thus, the model would help us to experiment and explore different perspectives of citizens’ wellbeing perception and how changes in the urban environment impact it. This work has chosen the historical neighbourhood La Condesa located 4 Km. from the Historical Downtown Area of Mexico City as case study where governmental programs have been designed to promote the construction of social lodging and in consequence bring inhabitants, leisure activities and business life to central territories. It seems that the growth in economy, population increase in the neighbourhood has not been compatible with citizens QoL and wellbeing perception and has not led to the increase of the quality of life index observed in the neighbourhood.