Multi-criteria methodology to support decision making concerning opaque envelope components

In this paper, the Multi-Criteria Decision Making analysis has been proposed as methodology for choosing the best building components between different alternatives. As case study, TOPSIS method (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) has been applied for comparing four different roof slab technologies both traditional and innovative. The assumed criteria are related to different fields as thermal, acoustic, air quality building science, structural performances, economic and human impacts. The main research objective is to discuss how the decision-making process, performed by the design team and contractors, can influence the final selection. Briefly, the results of the case study allow to point out that the optimal solution depends on the importance that the decision maker assigns to each considered criterion.