Strengthening urban sustainability: identification and analysis of proactive measures to combat blight

Abstract

The process of identifying and analyzing proactive measures for the prevention of urban blight is complicated by its complexity and death of data. Blight affects people’s lives in many ways, including economically, socially, psychologically, and physically. The phenomenon comprises many factors, including making appropriate identification and eradication decisions that are challenging to analyze and structure. This study took a constructivist stance and sought to develop a new approach to urban blight to complement the existing literature. The methodology combined cognitive mapping techniques applied in decision conferences, and the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory technique based on the multiple-criteria decision analysis approach. This integrated approach facilitated the development of a multi-criteria model that identifies proactive anti-blight measures in a more complete, transparent way. This dual methodology enables incorporating objective and subjective elements, and field specialists’ knowledge and experiences, thereby reducing important decision criteria omissions. Additionally, this approach generates a transparent visualization of relationships among criteria. Identified blight determinants can be used to prevent blight, and improve the quality of life in the affected areas. These strategies were carefully analyzed by two independent experts from the Direção Geral do Território (General Directorate of the Territory of Portugal). The advantages and limitations of the proposed methodology are also deliberated.