A spatial decision support system for prioritizing 22 Districts of Tehran for construction of multiplex buildings

A multiplex is a kind of urban cultural facilities which not only has several different rooms for showing films, but also provides other services such as a wide range of food and drink stores and free/easy available parking. Multiplexes have significant cultural, economic and social characteristics. Given the importance and advantages of multiplexes, several multiplex buildings have been built in Tehran in the last decade. However, many experts doubt that a thorough study has been done on locating them. While, precise locating is associated with more profit, better service and higher social and cultural effects. Therefore, this study reviews different spatial, economic and social criteria (as the most effective criteria on locating urban facilities) so to prioritize 22 districts of Tehran for construction of multiplex buildings. In order to achieve this goal, an index system including 10 various indices was developed. Then, a spatial decision support system was designed and implemented based on two multi criteria decision making models including stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP). Computation, map production, weighting and combination of different indices and ultimately achieving final output was provided by this system. According to the application of Fuzzy AHP and SWARA models on the indices, it was determined that accessibility and income indices have the most effect on prioritization. The final results of this study indicate that Districts 2, 7 and 11 have the highest priority, and districts 18 and 17 have the least priority for construction of multiplex buildings.