Improve quality of life Flashcards
What does quality of life refer to?
A person’s well-being, which is affected by several factors such as physical and mental health, level of independence and relationship with others.
List some strategies used in cities to improve people’s quality of life.
- Provision of safe housing
- provision of a variety of transportation modes
- Considering the needs of different groups
What does housing refer to?
Structures or buildings constructed to shelter people from weather elements such as extremely high or low temperatures and rain. They are also places for rest and social gatherings.
What is housing?
a basic human need
How did Singapore address the problem of inadequate and low quality housing due to high rates of migration and overpopulation in the past?
By building affordable and good quality public housing surrounded by many amenities for the masses.
What happens when housing supply is insufficient or too expensive?
People may resort to building their homes at locations without obtaining permission, i.e. squatter settlements.
Where can squatter settlements be found at?
unsafe locations such as steep slopes and along railway tracks.
What is the quality of life among squatter settlers like compared to those who live in formal housing?
Poor
What are transportation modes?
Ways in which people and goods move from one location to another.
What are the three main modes of transport?
Land, air and water
What are the benefits offered by having a variety of transportation?
- travelling around the city can be easier because people have more transportation options such as buses, trams and trains.
- traffic congestion can be reduced when poeple have more options to travel.
- environmental pollution in cities can be reduced as fewer cars on the road can lead to less fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
What do many cities in the world, including Singapore, have?
Ageing populations
What do city designers need to bear in mind when designing cities?
The needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities to ensure a good quality of life for them.
What is a Universal Design concept for buildings in public places?
Creating a safe and accessible environment for everyone, including children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
List some universal designs applied in public areas.
- Pedestrian paths: routes are cleared of any obstacles and are at least 1.8 metres wide. Furniture and fixtures are built in a space that is away from the travel path.
- Traffic crossings: tactile warnings on the ground on the two sides of traffic crossings aid the visually handicapped and elderly pedestrians. Warning indicators are provided at road crossings to remind users to be careful when crossing roads.
What are amenities?
Facilities which enable people to live comfortably.
What is a city?
A defined urban area within a country.
What is competition in the context of resources?
A situation where demand exceeds available resources.
What is education?
Learning knowledge and skills.
What is employment?
Taking on paid work.
What are environmental footprints?
The effect that a city has on the environment, such as the amount of natural resources used or the amount of waste produced.
What is environmental pollution?
Release of contaminants that negatively affects the physical environment and human health.
What are functions in a city?
Types of activities found in a city.
What are hazards?
Events that have negative impact on people, the physical and built environments and the economy.
