A fuzzy-based decision framework for optimal co-working space site selection

Purpose This study addresses how to locate co-working facilities that support integrated design, sustainable construction and effective facility operations. Site selection is framed as a spatial resource allocation problem characterized by uncertain expert judgments and multiple competing criteria, relevant to project lifecycle management and the delivery of resilient built environments. Design/methodology/approach A hybrid fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework is developed by integrating Fermatean Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (FF-SWARA) for criteria weighting and Fermatean Fuzzy Combinative Distance-Based Assessment for alternative ranking (FF-COBRA). A nine-member expert panel evaluated five criteria groups and twenty-one sub-criteria. A mid-sized city case in Trabzon, Türkiye and multi-scenario sensitivity analyses are used to test robustness and transferability. Findings Digital infrastructure, safety risk, and parking availability emerged as the most influential factors. The KTU area ranked first among six alternatives. Sensitivity analyses across equal, moderate and high emphasis scenarios confirmed stable rankings, indicating that locations strong in connectivity and secure, convenient access are consistently preferred. Practical implications The framework supports developers, designers and municipal planners during pre-design, feasibility, and site selection. It operationalizes sustainability and serviceability targets, reduces judgment bias under uncertainty and provides a replicable decision path that can be embedded in project governance for co-working facilities. Originality/value The study offers an integration FF-SWARA and FF-COBRA for facility siting under uncertainty, tailored to co-working contexts. It extends construction and architectural management literature by linking fuzzy decision models with lifecycle-focused criteria and provides a transferable template for peri-urban and mid-sized city applications.