Comparative Analysis of Multi-Criteria Methods for the Enhancement of Historical Buildings

Abstract

The protection of cultural heritage is essential to preserve the memory of the territory and its communities, but its enhancement is also important. In this perspective, the theme of choosing the best use for historic buildings, which often make up a substantial and widespread part of real estate and which can become a driving force for the sustainable development of cities, is important. These decision-making processes find effective support tools in Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods, able to consider the multiple financial, social, cultural, and environmental effects that the enhancement project generates. In order to identify the most appropriate evaluation approach to select the best use of the building, this paper proposes a comparison between some of the best-known MCDM methods: Analitic Hierarchy Process (AHP), ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalité (ELECTRE), Tecnique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and the Compromise Ranking Method (VIKOR). The comparative analysis gives rise to the validity of the AHP, which is useful for reducing the problem into its essential components, so as to make a rational comparison among the design alternatives based on different criteria. The novelty of the research is the characterization of the hierarchical structure of the model, as well as the selection of criteria and indicators of economic evaluation. The application of the model to a real case of recovery and enhancement of a former convent in the province of Salerno (Italy) verifies the effectiveness of the tool and its adaptability to the specificities of the case study.

A Review of Energy Management Assessment Models for Industrial Energy Efficiency

“…Let us not forget about the multi-dimensional operational activities in the industries which are conjugal part with energy management. Notably, multi-dimensional approaches are critical to support the process and operational oriented program [86]. Therefore, a comprehensive operational approach should be considered by integrating all the relevant energy flows.…”

Comparison of Electric Power Output Observed and Estimated from Floating Photovoltaic Systems: A Case Study on the Hapcheon Dam, Korea

“…This could also determine whether the use of TMY data from Daegu city is appropriate or not in the simulation of EPOs from the PV system at the Hapcheon Dam. In future work, it would be interesting to examine the multi-criteria effects that the investments in question can generate because investments in solar energy generate not only financial but also social and environmental impacts [17,18].…”

Technological Drivers of Urban Innovation: A T-DNA Analysis Based on US Patent Data

“…As can be seen easily, the above-mentioned goals cannot be completely achieved without conflicts. For this reason, methods from multi-criteria decision making, such as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) [22,23] are recommended to be used.…”