A grey cluster analysis of livability in residential district planning

Based on a review of indicators for compiling the existing city planning guidelines in China, this study proposes the concept of people-oriented residential environment can be evaluated by indices of livability in a quantitative way. The study adopts theories and methods of grey system, and tentatively establishes a model for such quantification. Data obtained from real cases are used to test the model, with results showing this method has advantages of simple calculation, high resolution, and cost-effective by using large amount of existing indicators of city planning guidelines. Compared to the existing mechanism which is largely based on experiences, this method is more objective and reliable.