Accessibility evaluation for educational buildings through the application of a multi-objective decision analysis

Purpose A systematic approach to determining the accessibility of educational buildings is developed in this study. It aims to propose a model with the basic principles and criteria that determine accessibility and aims to provide a decision support mechanism for architects, engineers and users with comparable results. Design/methodology/approach This study contributes to research in this area by addressing an important gap in literature through the application of a multi-criteria evaluation model. The proposed model employs a step-by-step and all-inclusive evaluation approach to ensure a thorough and precise assessment of accessibility for educational buildings. It utilizes the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) method to evaluate accessibility through analyzed criteria. This method is based on a systematic approach that tracks the relative importance weights of the different evaluation criteria. Findings The research yielded a 3-level structure with 15 indicators, revealing the relative importance weights via the SWARA method. The relationships between these 3 levels (low to high) revealed 96 interconnected networks. Their relative scores clarified the differences between all criteria and network items, directing the actions to be taken for accessibility. Accordingly, the accessibility potential of educational buildings can be measured with the importance weights of these network items, guiding the development and implementation of more effective accessibility standards. Originality/value The study presents an innovative ranking methodology for architects and users to monitor the extent of accessibility principles and criteria and provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the accessibility potential of educational buildings.