Assessment of Urban Green Space Development; A Multi-Criteria Approach Using Fuzzy Sets Theory

Urban Green space underpins sustainability and increase quality of life with its multi-dimensional processes. To increase the attractiveness, green spaces should be well assessed considering its different values. The multi criteria and fuzzy nature of assessing the green space development make the issue as complex as cannot be addressed with conventional methods. One of the most important methods of multi criteria assessment is Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). Fuzzy inference system is a popular computing framework based on the concepts of Fuzzy Sets Theory, which is capable of dealing with inherent ambiguity in multi-criteria assessment process. This paper assesses urban green space development within Shiraz metropolitan area, Iran based on various criteria by designing a special fuzzy inference system. The data for the present study were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that increase in green space area and subsequently, the per capita allocated to each person in a decade has created desirability for regions in terms of having green space. For example, increasing the quantitative indicators of occupancy level and per capita of parks in these areas has improved the accessibility of the residents. Predictions and strategic analysis of the developing green space found that, if the growth rate of green space area exceeds 30%, region 7 will be a relatively developed region and if the increase in the area of this land use exceeds 45%, it will be definitely a developed region.

Keywords:

Green space , Fuzzy Sets Theory , multi - dimensional processes , Shiraz