Designing Happiness: Urban Lessons from Helsinki and Copenhagen for Indian Cities

Abstract

Can cities be designed to make people happy? As India continues its rapid urbanization, the quality of life in cities plays a critical role in national well-being. This research explores how urban planning and architectural strategies can enhance India’s performance on the World Happiness Index (WHI). By examining the urban design frameworks of Helsinki and Copenhagen—two of the world\'s happiest cities—this paper investigates which elements contribute most to urban well-being and how Indian cities can integrate these into their planning ethos. The study evaluates key urban elements such as walkability, green space accessibility, mixed-use development, participatory planning, and spatial equity. It draws from secondary data sources, global reports, and city-specific indicators to analyze how these built-environment features are tied to WHI components such as health, social support, freedom, generosity, trust in institutions, and GDP per capita. Comparative data tables and visualizations help illuminate the differences between urban happiness design in Indian cities and leading global exemplars. The findings reveal that both Helsinki and Copenhagen foster happiness through integrated, human-centric planning—combining mobility choices, accessible green areas, climate resilience, and trust-based governance. Indian cities, though diverse and complex, can learn from these practices by localizing interventions, prioritizing citizen engagement, and aligning urban policies with well-being outcomes. This paper provides a replicable framework for policy-makers and urban designers to plan Indian cities not merely as economic engines but as habitats of human happiness.

Introduction

In the 21st century, urban life deeply influences human well-being, with urban happiness emerging as a measurable goal linked to factors such as health, social support, freedom, trust, generosity, and economic prosperity. Despite India’s rapid growth, its cities rank low on the World Happiness Index (WHI), prompting an investigation into whether improved urban design can boost happiness.

The study compares Indian cities with Copenhagen and Helsinki—two of the world’s happiest cities known for their emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, equity, and community engagement. Both cities feature extensive cycling infrastructure, abundant green spaces, inclusive public areas, transparent governance, and affordable housing, which collectively foster emotional well-being and environmental sustainability.

Using secondary data from global indices, urban planning documents, and literature, the research maps urban design elements to WHI components, analyzing indicators like walkability, green space, air quality, affordable housing, and public transport.

Key findings reveal that Copenhagen and Helsinki excel in providing clean air, access to green spaces, mixed-use developments, community integration, and participatory governance, all contributing directly to higher happiness levels. In contrast, Indian cities often face spatial segregation, poor public transport, and limited social cohesion, which hinder resident well-being.

The paper suggests that adopting human-centered, sustainable urban design principles—such as integrating nature, promoting active mobility, ensuring social equity, and fostering civic participation—can improve happiness outcomes in Indian cities.

Conclusion

This research paper sheds light on the importance of happiness and well-being in an individual\'s life, as well as in the broader context of a nation\'s growth and development. The Happiness Index, a comprehensive survey tool, is used to assess the level of happiness and satisfaction among citizens of various nations. The World Happiness Report, published annually, ranks nations based on their collective happiness and aims to capture progress beyond mere economic indicators. The research also highlights India’s declining position in recent World Happiness Reports and suggests strategies for improving its standing. One critical area of intervention lies in the design and planning of Indian cities. Cities like Helsinki and Copenhagen have shown that factors such as walkable neighborhoods, green infrastructure, strong social support, inclusive public spaces, and climate resilience directly contribute to the six WHI components. For India, adapting and localizing these principles offers a promising pathway to not only enhance the livability of its rapidly urbanizing centers but also to contribute positively to its overall WHI ranking. Improving happiness in cities—where a growing majority of the population resides—can have a ripple effect on national well-being. Ultimately, designing cities with happiness and human well-being at their core is not just a progressive urban planning approach; it is a necessary step toward sustainable national development.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Bhavya Vyas, Shruti Walia. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.