PLANNING FOR A HAPPY CITY IN KOCHI SMART CITY ABD AREA FORT KOCHI - MATTANCHERRY REGION

Abstract

Happy city is a concept of a city where residents can experience joy, wellbeing and overall sense of happiness (SEPE, 2017). Mental health problems are becoming more prevalent among urban residents every day. One of the reasons is that the city does not offer the facilities required for people to be happy (Jagannath, 2019). The study includes understanding the concept of happy city and analysing the factors affecting the of happiness in an urban setup. The various case examples of cities such as Bhutan, Chandigarh and Finland were its citizens experience higher levels of happiness are studied in detail to identify the parameters. Also deriving a methodology for accessing urban areas on the basis of Happiness Index, with Kochi city as a case example. The methodology was based on evaluating the components of happy city design based on the enablers of happy city as suggested by the global happiness and wellbeing policy report of 2019. Finally, understanding the opportunities for improving the quality of life in cities, based on the identified challenges for achieving the ideal happy city through improved urban infrastructure, much healthy community gathering spaces to enhance emotional bonding, better connectivity though efficient transport system, providing walk-able neighbourhood, geriatric-friendly and disabled-friendly infrastructure, services and amenities. Thus, planning for the society rather than the conventional planning method of orderly placement of elements of an urban area. Hence Happy city is the perfect city of the future