A Multi-objective Decision-Making Framework for Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

Planning in the context of urban sustainability is very challenging as it requires simultaneous integration of a large number of conflicting objectives pertaining to economic, environmental and social dimensions. It also involves multiple stakeholders with opposing views, and a high level of uncertainty. In addition, the process should be transparent, participatory and understandable by all participants. Existing literature has called for exploring new analytical methods to support decision-making for urban sustainability. This research introduces a structured decision support framework underpinned by Multi-objective Decision-Making (MODM) and Multi-attribute Decision Making (MADM). The framework provides systematic guidance to decision-making starting from problem structuring to generating a wide range of alternatives until the selection of the final solution. The developed framework is tested in two different decision-making situations pertaining to real urban problems. In the first case study, the framework is examined in the situation where the decision-maker is available to interact with the planner at the design stage. The framework is used to find a sustainable distribution of healthcare centers taking into consideration conflicting objectives including cost, efficiency of service and accessibility. The optimal solution is reached through an interactive process with stakeholders. In the second case study, the framework is examined in the situation where the decision-maker is unavailable for interaction at the design stage. The framework is used to develop planning scenarios for transit-oriented development (TOD) around a transit station. The optimal intensification of land use and land use mix is achieved taking into consideration the conflicting objectives of various stakeholders. Large number of non-dominated alternative solutions has been generated. An interactive tool has been developed by which the stakeholders can identify the alternative that best reflects their preference. The quality of the outputs for both case studies has shown that the developed planning methodology outperforms conventional approaches. The developed framework has proved to be a flexible and practical approach to assist decision-making in the context of urban sustainability