Short answer

When undertaking adaptive reuse of historical structures, employ a multi-criteria decision model that explicitly accounts for intrinsic building qualities, contextual factors, and economic feasibility to ensure a holistic and sustainable outcome.

Field: Modelling
Source: Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (2010)
Method: Expert panel calibration and case study application of a multi-criteria decision model.
Evidence: Strong effect

A structured multi-criteria decision-making model can systematically evaluate the sustainability of adaptive reuse projects for historical buildings. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2010 study published in Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Using Expert panel calibration and case study application of a multi-criteria decision model., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When undertaking adaptive reuse of historical structures, employ a multi-criteria decision model that explicitly accounts for intrinsic building qualities, contextual factors, and economic feasibility to ensure a holistic and sustainable outcome.

Study

ModellingHigh ImpactStrong effect

Multi-criteria model enhances sustainable adaptive reuse of historical buildings

A structured multi-criteria decision-making model can systematically evaluate the sustainability of adaptive reuse projects for historical buildings.

Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis · 2010

Key Findings

01A multi-criteria model can effectively integrate diverse sustainability parameters.
02The model's three macro-indicators (intrinsic, context, economic-financial) provide a comprehensive evaluation framework.
03Expert calibration is crucial for model relevance and accuracy.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

Develop a weighted scoring system for key sustainability factors (e.g., material preservation, energy efficiency, community impact, cost-effectiveness) and use it to compare different design options for a heritage redevelopment project.

Project actions

01Clearly define the criteria and sub-criteria for your decision model.
02Seek diverse expert opinions to calibrate your model's weights.
03Document the decision-making process thoroughly.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a multi-criteria decision-making model be developed and applied to assess the sustainability of adaptive reuse projects for historical buildings?

MethodExpert panel calibration and case study application of a multi-criteria decision model.

ProcedureA model was developed to aggregate parameters into three macro-indicators: intrinsic sustainability, context sustainability, and economic-financial feasibility. This model was then calibrated by a panel of experts and applied to evaluate two redevelopment scenarios for a historical building.

ContextAdaptive reuse of historical buildings, urban regeneration, heritage conservation.

Variables

IVThe multi-criteria model structure and its parameters.

DVThe sustainability assessment score for adaptive reuse scenarios.

CVThe specific historical building and its redevelopment context.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a structured and systematic approach to complex decision-making.
+Integrates multiple, often conflicting, criteria into a single evaluation framework.
+Enhances transparency and justification for design choices.

Limitations

The subjectivity in assigning weights and scores can be a limitation. The availability of reliable data for each criterion can also be challenging.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would be assessed by the consistency of scores if the same experts re-evaluated the scenarios. Validity would depend on how well the chosen criteria and their weights truly reflect the concept of sustainability in heritage reuse.

Think critically

To what extent can a purely quantitative multi-criteria model capture the qualitative and intangible values associated with historical heritage?

Design Principles

"Complex design decisions involving multiple, often conflicting, criteria can be effectively managed and optimized through structured multi-criteria modelling."

This approach provides a robust framework for designers and stakeholders to weigh complex, often competing, factors in heritage redevelopment. It moves beyond subjective assessments to a more objective and defensible decision-making process, crucial for preserving cultural significance while ensuring economic viability and environmental responsibility.

What This Means for Your Design

Using a special checklist with points for different factors (like how well the old parts are kept, how it fits the area, and if it makes money) can help decide the best way to reuse old buildings so they are good for the environment, the community, and financially.

How to use in your project

1.Use the concept of multi-criteria decision making to justify your design choices, especially when evaluating different design options.
2.Adapt the macro-indicator structure (intrinsic, context, economic) to your specific design problem.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The redevelopment of historical buildings necessitates a systematic approach to sustainability assessment. Drawing from research on multi-criteria decision making, a model incorporating intrinsic building qualities, contextual relevance, and economic-financial feasibility can provide a robust framework for evaluating adaptive reuse proposals. This structured methodology ensures that complex, often competing, factors are considered objectively, leading to more informed and sustainable design outcomes.

Source

Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

An application of multicriteria decision making to built heritage. The redevelopment of Venice Arsenale

journal · 2010

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about multi-criteria model enhances sustainable adaptive reuse of historical buildings?: When undertaking adaptive reuse of historical structures, employ a multi-criteria decision model that explicitly accounts for intrinsic building qualities, contextual factors, and economic feasibility to ensure a holistic and sustainable outcome. Evidence: Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (2010).
Why does "Multi-criteria model enhances sustainable adaptive reuse of historical buildings" matter for design?: This approach provides a robust framework for designers and stakeholders to weigh complex, often competing, factors in heritage redevelopment. It moves beyond subjective assessments to a more objective and defensible decision-making process, crucial for preserving cultural significance while ensuring economic viability and environmental responsibility.
How can designers apply this research?: When undertaking adaptive reuse of historical structures, employ a multi-criteria decision model that explicitly accounts for intrinsic building qualities, contextual factors, and economic feasibility to ensure a holistic and sustainable outcome.
What were the main findings?: A multi-criteria model can effectively integrate diverse sustainability parameters.. The model's three macro-indicators (intrinsic, context, economic-financial) provide a comprehensive evaluation framework.. Expert calibration is crucial for model relevance and accuracy.
What research method was used?: Expert panel calibration and case study application of a multi-criteria decision model..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2010 journal from Journal of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Develop a weighted scoring system for key sustainability factors (e.g., material preservation, energy efficiency, community impact, cost-effectiveness) and use it to compare different design options for a heritage redevelopment project.
What are the limitations?: The model's effectiveness is dependent on the quality and availability of data, as well as the expertise and consensus of the calibrating panel. Generalizability to vastly different historical contexts may require adaptation.