Evaluation and Prioritization of Sustainable Development Indicators in the Design Phase of Educational–Cultural Complexes Using an Integrated AHP–Value Engineering Framework

Abstract

This study aims to identify and prioritize key sustainable development indicators in the design phase of educational–cultural complexes using an integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Value Engineering framework. This applied quantitative study employed a descriptive–analytical approach. The statistical population consisted of 50 experts in architecture, civil engineering, and project management in Tehran and Alborz provinces. Data were collected through pairwise comparison questionnaires based on Saaty’s nine-point scale. Instrument validity was confirmed by expert review and reliability was ensured through acceptable inconsistency ratios. Five core indicators were extracted, including energy optimization, cost management, return on investment, environmental efficiency planning, and biophilic compatibility. Eight educational–cultural projects were analyzed as decision alternatives. The AHP results revealed that “return on investment” and “construction cost reduction” received the highest weights (0.375 and 0.299 respectively). Among the evaluated projects, Shamin Alborz ranked highest in energy efficiency, Arasbaran in cost reduction, and Golestan in return on investment, while all pairwise comparisons satisfied acceptable inconsistency thresholds. The findings indicate that under current economic conditions, economic sustainability functions as the primary driver for achieving environmental sustainability, and the integrated AHP–Value Engineering model substantially improves decision quality and long-term performance of educational–cultural projects.