IMPACT OF URBAN PLANNING REGULATIONS AND PRACTICES ON QUALITY OF LIFE. CASE STUDY: COLINAS PICHINCHA, ROCAFUERTE

Abstract

Planning should be considered the starting point for any activity where resources can be identified and properly managed, distributed, and optimized. In urban planning, it is crucial to comply with national and international regulations to achieve a suitable relationship between urban development and the natural, social, and even cultural environment, ensuring that development proceeds appropriately within established parameters. However, across most of the national territory, there is a noticeable lack of this activity. Specifically, in the context of human settlements, continuous review of this practice is required to ensure that sectors grow in an orderly manner and meet the population's needs. This includes addressing structural systems such as road networks, health institutions, education, security, and the provision of various basic services such as electrification, potable water, sanitary and storm sewer systems, among others. Therefore, this study is based on the question: What is the impact of urban planning regulations and practices on the quality of life of residents in the Colinas Pichincha sector of the Rocafuerte canton? The research employs a qualitative and quantitative methodology, assessing the study site by calculating the Urban Quality of Life Index. The findings conclude that objective indicators related to basic infrastructure reveal significant deficiencies in the supply of essential services, and the lack of access to these fundamental services negatively impacts the residents' quality of life.

Keywords: Urban planning regulations, urban needs, quality of life, provision of basic services, planning, development.