Architectural identity in smart city development: a multi-criteria study on regional culture in northeastern China

In northern China, smart city infrastructure development is directly affected by the cultural aspects of the region, and there is a need for a futuristic strategy to make decisions that complement tradition with technology. The current study attempts to show the way how MCDM frameworks and digital twin technology are combined to influence urban planning and infrastructure optimization concerning cultural issues. The current study is about how regional culture influences smart city infrastructure development in northeastern China through a survey-based approach. This research study investigates how cultural values, governance models, and socio-economic conditions influence smart city development by collecting information from urban planners, policymakers, architects, and residents of key cities. The questionnaire aimed to identify stakeholder perceptions regarding integrating traditional architectural elements, local institutional frameworks, and new technologies, such as digital twins and artificial intelligence, into urban planning. The study employs multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to examine the importance of relevance and cultural weightage in the selection of a decision-making framework for development that is aimed at optimizing infrastructure, sustainability, and efficiency. Surveys confirm technology acceptance, but preference toward regional identity through adaptive strategies takes precedence in urban planning. This research shows how computational intelligence aids the differential urban transformation under uncertainty pertaining to decision-making while keeping an eye on culture. Challenges confronting the smart city development processes in the region are those such as change management, gaps in policy, and technological accessibility. The findings suggest that the MCDM’s hybrid decision support systems with stakeholder consultations could enhance smart city project formulation without compromising heritage.