A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK RELATING CIVIL ENGINEERING TO QUALITY OF LIFE

QOL is a comprehensive concept that encompasses the overall well-being of individuals and communities, incorporating physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions. It is influenced by a wide range of factors, including health, education, income, the environment, safety, relationships, cultural enrichment, and access to resources and opportunities. 

Shown in Figure 1 are five domains as proposed by Felce and Perry (1995) plus a sixth domain. The six QOL domains are described below:

1)    Physical well-being focuses on aspects related to the health and safety of individuals or communities, encompassing factors such as physical health, safety, and access to healthcare.

2)    Material well-being pertains to living conditions, including income, housing, privacy, food security, transportation, and overall personal or community security.

3)    Social well-being emphasizes the quality of interpersonal relationships within families and friendships, as well as broader interactions and engagement within the community.

4)    Development and activity relates to factors that contribute to the personal or communal growth, such as competence, independence, and participation in functional activities like work, leisure, and education.

5)    Emotional well-being includes self-esteem, a sense of status or respect, and spiritual or religious faith, all of which contribute to an individual’s sense of fulfillment and stability.

6)    Environmental well-being - Although not explicitly part of Felce and Perry’s domains, environmental well-being can be seen as an implicit aspect of quality of life today. This domain refers to the quality of the natural and built environment in supporting human health, safety, and overall life satisfaction. It encompasses the conditions of air, water, soil, ecosystems, and the sustainability of urban and rural spaces.

Quality of Life (QOL) in the context of civil engineering refers to the enhancement of community living standards through the strategic design, implementation, and maintenance of infrastructure and services. Five key facets of civil engineering that significantly contribute to QOL are as follows:

1. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing well-being by supporting employment, income generation, mobility, health, recreation, and other essential needs through efficient and reliable infrastructure.
2. Water Supply and Sanitation: Safeguarding public health and hygiene through the development of sustainable water systems and effective sanitation solutions.
3. Disaster Resilience: Ensuring community safety and resilience by constructing robust structures that can withstand natural and human-made hazards, thereby saving lives, reducing injuries, and protecting physical assets.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Embedding eco-friendly practices in civil engineering design and construction to preserve ecosystems and reduce carbon footprints.
5. Climate Change Adaptation: Integrating sustainable urban planning and design to balance development with environmental stewardship, addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The five CE facets can be aligned to the six QOL domains as follows: 

Table: Alignment of QOL Domains and Civil Engineering Facets

QOL Domain	Aligned Civil Engineering Facets	Explanation
Physical Well-being	Water Supply and Sanitation, Disaster Resilience, Infrastructure Development	Focuses on health, safety, and access to essential services.
Material Well-being	Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaptation	Supports financial security and access to material resources through employment and sustainable growth.
Social Well-being	Infrastructure Development, Disaster Resilience, Climate Change Adaptation	Enhances community inclusion, safety, and cohesion through inclusive planning and disaster management.
Emotional Well-being	Disaster Resilience, Environmental Sustainability, Infrastructure Development	Promotes security, comfort, and life satisfaction through safety and eco-friendly practices.
Development and Activity	Infrastructure Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Sustainability	Facilitates growth, learning, and meaningful activities through infrastructure and innovation.
Environmental Well-being	Environmental Sustainability, Climate Change Adaptation	Improves ecosystems, reduces pollution, and ensures sustainable living conditions.

• Felce, David and Perry, Jonathan (1995). “Quality of Life: Its Definition and Measurement,” Research in Development Disabilities, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 51-74, 1995, Elsevier Science, Ltd.