10.57647/j.ccd.2025.0802.13

Ranking of flexibility components in biological complexes in Mashhad using Analytic Network Process (ANP)

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  • Neda Akrami1,
  • Reza Mirzaei*1,
  • Mohsen Amini1,
  1. Department of Art and Architecture, Bi.c., Islamic Azad University, Birjand, Iran.

Received: 2024-01-07

Revised: 2024-04-21

Accepted: 2024-04-28

Published in Issue 2025-06-01

Copyright (c) 2025 Neda Akrami, Reza Mirzaei, Mohsen Amini (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Akrami, N., Mirzaei, R., & Amini, M. (2025). Ranking of flexibility components in biological complexes in Mashhad using Analytic Network Process (ANP). Creative City Design, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.57647/j.ccd.2025.0802.13
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Abstract

Aims :This research aims to evaluate and rank the key flexibility components in large-scale residential complexes in Mashhad, focusing on their applicability and effectiveness in enhancing the adaptability of living environments. The study seeks to identify the influence of economic, social, and structural factors in shaping responsive housing solutions that can accommodate users’ evolving needs over time.

Methodology: The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, beginning with content and thematic analysis of literature using bibliometric tools (R-Studio and Shiny Bibliometrix) to identify main flexibility themes. Expert input was then solicited through the Fuzzy Delphi technique to validate main indicators. The final step involved the application of the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to rank flexibility components across three selected case studies: Khayyam, 512 Units, and 600 Units residential complexes in Mashhad. Data were synthesized through supermatrix and limit matrix analysis to derive weighted priorities.

 Findings : The results indicate that the 600-unit residential complex exhibits superior performance in terms of spatial flexibility, particularly in layout adaptability and spatial reconfiguration potential. Based on the ANP analysis, the "Product Characteristics" factor received the highest influence weight at 0.41, confirming its pivotal role in enabling architectural flexibility. This is followed by "FL Strategies" (0.38), emphasizing the importance of design planning approaches, and the general "FL Layer" with a weight of 0.19, indicating its moderate contribution to the overall system. Additionally, analyses in Figure 9 and Figure 10 and Figure 12 highlight the critical role of spatial and facade transformation capabilities. further confirms that the strategic organization of internal spatial modules outweighs superficial interventions like furniture flexibility, particularly in long-term scenarios.

Conclusion:This study confirms that architectural flexibility requires an integrated design approach, emphasizing dynamic configurations over static solutions. Among all flexibility dimensions, “Product Characteristics” exerted the most significant influence, underscoring the importance of structural design, layout adaptability, and modular organization. The findings advocate prioritizing adaptability from the early design phases to ensure functional and resilient living environments and  engage deeper architectural layers to address long-term lifestyle changes. The results suggest that spatial and façade transformability are central to sustainable residential design. Incorporating flexibility principles enhances user satisfaction, spatial efficiency, and long-term operational performance. Thus, urban housing strategies must embed responsive systems capable of evolving with user and environmental needs

Keywords

  • Analytic Network Process (ANP),
  • Changeability,
  • Variability,
  • Extensibility,
  • Flexibility
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