This study aims to analyze the diverse concepts of livability in the urban dimension, exploring and interpreting the various discourses. Generally conceived, livability refers to the minimum criteria for the management of healthy living through either natural or artificial means, or a city’s ability to offer a high quality of life (QoL) through its physical environment. Following industrialization, urban and rural spatial and social conflict ensued and changes in the usefulness and effectiveness of public space, along with the maintenance of social stratification and opportunity gaps in urban life, the concept steadily continued to expand. Related literature in addition to QoL, focuses on sense of place, amenity and accessibility with conclusions suggesting that the physical environment influences user’s perceptions and phenomenological interpretations of space, the survival will of members of diverse social backgrounds and claims to more equitable socioeconomic opportunities. A place’s level of tangible and intangible value, safety, convenience, aesthetics and comfort could be combined into an overall concept of livability, additionally suited to enhance social mobility and equity by providing access and opportunities. Other conceptions are objective, perceptual, place-based, multidisciplinary approach etc. This research includes interpretations of the diverse concepts, theoretical systems and conditions and suggests a Prism Model of Urban Livability Discourse in its conclusion.