Novel criteria for sustainable use of urban spaces under bridges in cities by applying DEMATEL technique

ABSTRACT

At the beginning of the 21st century, cities suffered from high traffic density and mobility problems due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. Bridges were built to encounter these challenges. As a result, the urban voids (urban spaces under bridges) have increased tremendously. In this study, a qualitative analysis was established to understand the negative impacts of urban voids focusing on under-bridges urban spaces. Furthermore, five criteria, as well as thirty-one sub-criteria were derived from the extensive literature and previous international experiences. Additionally, a quantitative analysis was conducted through experts’ interviews. Criteria and sub-criteria were assessed using the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to determine whether each criterion/sub-criteria belongs to the cause or effect group. Results indicated that the most important criterion was urban identity, as well as the most important sub-criteria belong to each criterion, were social services, investment diversity, sustainable recourses management, ICT-infrastructure, and urban integration.

KEYWORDS:

• Urban spaces under bridges
• urban voids
• Dematel
• urban sustainability
• MCDM

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors(s) received no financial support for the research, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Shaimaa H. Zaki

Shaimaa H. Zaki graduated from the faculty of engineering, architecture department, Ain Shams University, Egypt (2003). She obtained her Master in “Reuse of Historical Palaces in Egypt Applied on Palaces of Mohamed Ali’s Family” from the architecture department Cairo University, Egypt (2009). She obtained her PhD in “SOCIOECONOMIC APPROACH TO ASSESS PROJECTS OF REHABILITATION IN OLD NRIGHBORHOODS AND IN NEW URBAN COMMUNITIES” from the architecture department Cairo University, Egypt (2015). She is currently a Lecturer at the Department of Architecture Engineering, Modern Academy, Cairo, Egypt.

Azza G. Haggag

Azza G. Haggag graduated from the faculty of engineering, architecture department, Ain Shams University, Egypt (2001). She obtained her Master in “The Influence of Contamination Control on The Design of ”Cleanrooms”” from the Ain Shams University, Egypt (2007). She is interested in studies of building technology and renewable energy, in addition to urban design and its relationship with the requirements of sustainability. She obtained her PhD in “A Methodology to Activate the Role of Architectural Design in Quality Risk Management of Pharmaceutical Plants- An Approach to Achieve Architectural Design Qualification in Production Areas” from Cairo University, Faculty of Engineering, Egypt (2013). A member of the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate. Working currently as a Lecturer at the Department of Architecture Engineering, Modern Academy, Cairo, Egypt.

Ahmed M. Selim

Ahmed M. Selim graduated from the faculty of engineering, architecture department, Ain Shams University, Egypt (2000). He obtained his Master in “Electric Energy Rationalization in Housing by Computer Applications” from the Ain Shams University, Egypt (2007). He obtained his professional program (PRMG) in Project Management from The American University, Egypt (2012). He obtained his Diploma in “Data Base Management, GIS and Remote Sensing” from the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, ITC, Netherland. Egypt (2005). He obtained his PhD in “Sustainable Management of Urbanization through Systems for the Establishment and Management of Infrastructure with the Participation of Private sector” from the Environmental Planning and Infrastructure Department, Faculty of Urban and Regional Planning, Cairo University, Egypt (2018). He is a member of the Egyptian Engineer Candidate. He is currently a Lecturer at the Department of Architecture Engineering, Modern Academy, Cairo, Egypt.