Sustainable Urban Design Approach for Public Spaces Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Urban public spaces hold significant importance in societal life, playing crucial roles in the development and sustainability of urban environments. These spaces face numerous challenges in the contemporary era. This study examines how sustainable public space design should be structured within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 11, and the parameters set forth by Project for Public Spaces Inc. (PPS), a highly influential non-profit organization based in the United States that provides research, training, technical assistance, planning, and design recommendations. Qualitative data collection methods, including literature review, expert interviews, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), are employed to evaluate various sustainability criteria. AHP is used to prioritize the criteria and sub-criteria derived from SDG and PPS frameworks. Through this method, the necessary parameters for a sustainable public space design model are identified based on expert opinions. The findings indicate that physical structure is the top priority criterion for public space sustainability. Historical value, green infrastructure, and ecological efficiency emerge as the highest priority parameters. Among social criteria, security and control, comfort, active and passive interaction, continuity, detectability, and meaning are significant. Economic vitality criteria include contributions to the local and urban economy, increasing local employment, contributions to tourism, and service diversity. Administrative coordination criteria encompass protection, investment incentives, and effective coordination. The study proposes a comprehensive model for sustainable public space design that integrates physical, social, economic, and administrative dimensions. The model emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and stakeholder involvement in ensuring urban areas are resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. Key priorities include the protection of historical values, the development of green infrastructure, and the enhancement of ecological efficiency. Future research should explore the application of this model in different urban contexts to validate and refine its effectiveness.