Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as an Assessment Approach for Architectural Design: Case Study of Architectural Design Studio

Abstract

Architectural design is complex and can be defined as an effective decision-making activity based on problem solving. This complexity is not based on content and volume of problems, but also heterogeneity and uncertainty of information provided for assessment, subjective approaches, and a large number of the criterion for assessment. The aim of this research paper is to contribute to the researches for assessment of architectural design by providing a novel approach based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) - a Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method. The approach supports an effective comparative analysis among the alternative projects based on determined criterion. The methodology is implemented with a case study in one of the design studios of Department of Architecture of Cankaya University on final design projects of a group of students with observation, research and assessment. The data used in the assessment is collected through interviews and surveys which is analysed by the help of a software. Based on the outcomes of the AHP-based approach, it has been seen that this approach can provide numerical results that are comparable, measurable, gradable, consistent and can be reported separately for each assessor. However, it has also been found that the AHP-based method is suitable for evaluating only a limited number of projects. With the research, and by setting thresholds levels for evaluation, it has become clear that successful and unsuccessful projects can be separated for achievement and competence. Consequently, it has been observed that the approach has considerable potentials to be further developed to evaluate architectural projects comparatively, especially for architectural students' projects, and other architectural projects such as architectural design competitions.