Tarbiat Modares University Naqshejahan- Basic studies and New Technologies of Architecture and Planning 2322-4991 16 1 2026 04 21 From Criteria to Construction: An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Optimal Wall and Façade System Selection From Criteria to Construction: An Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Optimal Wall and Façade System Selection 57 74 28173 10.48311/bsnt.2025.117463.82891 FA Hamed Keikha Structural Retrofitting and Reconstruction Research Group, Natural Disaster Research Institute (NDRI), Tehran, Iran. 0000-0001-9932-8118 Journal Article 2025 11 03 Aims: The selection of building envelope systems in Iranian construction is often subjective, lacking a systematic, evidence-based framework. This absence negatively impacts long-term building performance, cost efficiency, and overall sustainability. This research aims to develop a comprehensive Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model for the systematic assessment and optimal selection of non-load-bearing wall and façade systems, specifically targeting mass housing projects. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study identified 22 common systems and a comprehensive set of key evaluation criteria through extensive literature review and structured expert interviews. The relative importance (weights) of these criteria were quantified by professionals using a reliable Likert-scale questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.885 for walls, 0.884 for façades). A second detailed questionnaire evaluated the performance of each system against these weighted criteria, with the analysis also considering Iran’s three major climatic zones. Findings: For wall systems, "Nailability," "Weight," and "Enhancement of Space Efficiency" were identified as the most critical criteria, with AAC wall panels and AAC blocks ranking as the top-performing options. For façade systems, "Labor Cost," "Physical Durability," and "Material Cost" were the highest-priority factors, favoring Precast Concrete Façades and Dry Stone Façades. Region-specific rankings and detailed insights for climate-responsive design were also generated. Conclusion: The primary outcomes are an adaptable analytical tool to help designers and managers select optimal system combinations based on project specifics, and a set of detailed executive drawings for the nine top-performing combinations. This research provides a structured, multi-criteria framework that enhances decision-making transparency, reduces subjectivity, and supports sustainable and cost-effective construction practices in Iran. Aims: The selection of building envelope systems in Iranian construction is often subjective, lacking a systematic, evidence-based framework. This absence negatively impacts long-term building performance, cost efficiency, and overall sustainability. This research aims to develop a comprehensive Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model for the systematic assessment and optimal selection of non-load-bearing wall and façade systems, specifically targeting mass housing projects. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study identified 22 common systems and a comprehensive set of key evaluation criteria through extensive literature review and structured expert interviews. The relative importance (weights) of these criteria were quantified by professionals using a reliable Likert-scale questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.885 for walls, 0.884 for façades). A second detailed questionnaire evaluated the performance of each system against these weighted criteria, with the analysis also considering Iran’s three major climatic zones. Findings: For wall systems, "Nailability," "Weight," and "Enhancement of Space Efficiency" were identified as the most critical criteria, with AAC wall panels and AAC blocks ranking as the top-performing options. For façade systems, "Labor Cost," "Physical Durability," and "Material Cost" were the highest-priority factors, favoring Precast Concrete Façades and Dry Stone Façades. Region-specific rankings and detailed insights for climate-responsive design were also generated. Conclusion: The primary outcomes are an adaptable analytical tool to help designers and managers select optimal system combinations based on project specifics, and a set of detailed executive drawings for the nine top-performing combinations. This research provides a structured, multi-criteria framework that enhances decision-making transparency, reduces subjectivity, and supports sustainable and cost-effective construction practices in Iran.

https://bsnt.modares.ac.ir/article_28173_d80f8d2f11bbd1a8ab728b02fa3cd66a.pdf