Soft Computing Evaluation Logic

4.5Space Management Decision Problems

This chapter is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Goran Božović, architect, urbanist, and contributor to space management methods.

Evaluation problems are very frequent in the area of city planning and space management. Typical problems include decisions about optimum location of city objects (schools, hospitals, theaters, sports centers, shopping centers, recreation areas, etc.), and the evaluation of suitability of geographic locations for specific use. In this chapter we present two samples of typical space management problems. First, we present a model for selecting the best location for building a new elementary school. This problem is similar to many other public object location problems (e.g., see [KAH03, KUO99, CHO08]). The second problem is the evaluation of the suitability of urban locations for specific use (residential development).

4.5.1 A Decision Model for School Location

4.5.1.1 Statement of the Problem

Suppose that a city has existing schools that are used by a growing student population. The city has decided to build a new school. There are four possible locations that could be used for the new school. It is necessary to decide which location is the most suitable, taking into account a variety of requirements. The new school must have good accessibility and the location must have sufficient area and convenient shape. The construction should be completed in a reasonable time, satisfying urbanistic and safety conditions. ...