Quality of Life in a Historic Urban Core and periphery: A Case of Shahjahanabad (Delhi)

Abstract

India is characterized by a rich legacy of historic cities where layered built environments and cultural heritage significantly shape everyday life. Delhi stands out as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Within it, Shahjahanabad—commonly known today as Old Delhi represents a significant historic core, shaped by centuries of development and transformation. This area is characterized by high population density, mixed land use, and increasing urban pressures, making it an important setting for understanding Quality of Life (QoL) in historic environments. This study explores QoL in Shahjahanabad by comparing two distinct areas: Chandni Chowk, which forms the dense urban core, and Daryaganj, located at the periphery. It focuses on the physical built environment, including housing conditions, the quality of surrounding spaces, and access to essential urban services.The findings from the study highlight clear differences in how residents perceive their quality of life in these two areas. These variations are closely linked to the condition and characteristics of the built environment. Overall, the study demonstrates the value of perception-based assessments in capturing lived experiences and emphasizes the importance of planning strategies that are sensitive to the unique challenges of dense, historic urban areas.