Evaluation of Urban Complex Utilization Based on AHP and MCDM Analysis: A Case Study of China

Abstract

In the context of intensive urban development, urban complexes have emerged as crucial public spaces that address the needs of urban populations. However, current research on urban complexes is predominantly qualitative and lacks a rigorous scientific and quantitative analysis. Therefore, this study employs the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to construct a standardized system encompassing five dimensions: spatial function, spatial perception, architectural style, surrounding environment, and energy-saving technology. The objective is to determine the weights of the indices that influence people’s use of urban complexes under the goal of “humanization”. Additionally, the study quantitatively analyzes key indices using spatial syntax and other analytical methods. Subsequently, we employ multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) analysis to examine three real-world cases in China, aiming to validate further the importance of the AHP + MCDM approach, which incorporates the TOPSIS method based on grey correlation. This methodology considers both the subjective factors of crowd evaluations of urban complex usage and the interrelationships among indicators, ensuring that the statistical calculations of the indicators remain objective and scientifically robust. The results indicate that (1) the degree of facility improvement has the greatest impact on the crowd’s use of urban complexes; (2) there is a discrepancy between the results of the TOPSIS method and the MCDM evaluation model, with the MCDM evaluation method aligning more closely with real-world scenarios; and (3) the Shanghai MOSCHINO received the highest evaluation score, while the Nanjing Central Emporium received the lowest. Finally, we discuss the experimental results and propose targeted strategies for optimizing the design of urban complexes to achieve the goal of “humanization”.