Towards a software-supported operationalization of neighborhood sustainability assessment tools: Combining problem structuring methods and multicriteria decision analysis

How can measuring urban sustainability foster creativity in designing assessment models? This paper addresses this question by presenting a multi-methodological approach for developing an operational, synthetic and site-based Neighborhood Sustainability Assessment Tool (NSAT) to support urban design. By integrating the Strategic Choice Approach and Analytic Hierarchy Process within the MuVAM (Multi-Values Appraisal Methodology) software, the framework enables a dynamic combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments, enhances stakeholder participation, and tailors sustainability evaluation to the specific contexts of urban projects. The approach is demonstrated through a case study on repurposing a large urban area into a hospital excellence hub, showcasing its applicability in complex urban transformations.