A sustainable spatial decision framework for high-rise infill development: an integrated boolean–gis and fuzzy best–worst method

Enhancing sustainability in urban areas relies heavily on achieving an optimal increase in building density. However, identifying suitable sites for high-rise urban developments could be challenging. One approach to tackle this problem involves the utilization of multi-indicator land suitability analysis in the process of land-use planning. This approach plays an essential role in mitigating the fragmentation of natural habitats, promoting social integration, reducing air pollution, and preserving water and natural resources at both local and regional levels. This study aims to evaluate infill land suitability for high-rise urban development in Ahvaz, Iran. Methodologically, this study introduces an integrated Boolean–fuzzy geographic information systems framework combined with the fuzzy best–worst method, which enhances decision reliability by systematically handling uncertainty in expert judgments while reducing inconsistency compared to conventional weighting methods such as analytic hierarchy process. The findings indicate that approximately 54 percent of the city’s land areas are unsuitable for high-rise urban development. Furthermore, among the remaining suitable areas, about 30 percent were identified as priorities for high-rise development. Priority areas are primarily located in densely populated neighborhoods with higher socioeconomic status and better access to services. This study is significant because analyzing the suitability of urban land plays a crucial role in formulating effective land-use policies that promote sustainable urban development. It also helps prioritize management actions and identify spatial development patterns that yield maximum efficiency.