The systemic life quality model: A basis for urban renewal evaluation

This paper develops, on the basis of explicit assumptions and axioms, a conceptual framework for observing the effectiveness of functioning of action systems, and, in particular of the human individual. The framework is used to construct a facet definition of human quality of life (QOL) which is claimed to be exclusive and exhaustive: The contents of the observational items it produces do not overlap and cover the entire QOL universe. A specification of two facets: the subsystem facet (personality, physical, social, cultural-value) and the functioning mode facet (expressive, adaptive, integrative, conservative) results in 16 content areas, each of which can be represented or covered by an observational item. The systemic QOL measuring represented or covered by an observational item. The systemic QOL measuring instrument is examined with respect to its reliability and validity. Structural hypotheses whose rationale is grounded in the elementary considerations that led to the systemic model of QOL are formulated, tested and are largely confirmed. Finally, the systemic QOL model is applied to the evaluation of life quality and environmental conditions in a neighborhood designated as “distress neighborhood” within national urban renewal project.