Identification and Prioritization of Bionic Architecture Indicators Affecting Energy Consumption Efficiency in Architectural Design Using the ANP-DEMATEL Model

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and prioritize bionic architecture indicators affecting energy consumption efficiency in residential buildings while accounting for the interdependent and network-based relationships among architectural design criteria. This applied study employed a survey-based research design. The relevant bionic architecture criteria and subcriteria were initially identified and refined through a review of the theoretical literature, previous studies, and expert judgments, resulting in a final framework comprising four main criteria and 19 subcriteria. Experts were selected purposively, with theoretical saturation used to determine sampling adequacy. Data were collected using a structured matrix questionnaire based on pairwise comparisons and fuzzy scales, whose face and content validity were evaluated by specialists in architecture and energy. An integrated fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework combining the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and DEMATEL was employed to determine relative importance, model interdependencies, and derive final criterion weights. Excel and MATLAB were used for data preparation and fuzzy computations. The final prioritization indicated that environmental and contextual factors ranked first, followed by institutional and value-related factors, cultural and social factors, and physical and spatial factors, respectively. Causal-network analysis further demonstrated that institutional and value-related factors exerted the greatest influence on other dimensions, whereas physical and spatial factors exhibited the lowest network influence. At the subcriterion level, “maintaining unity of elements with place and the cosmos while preserving plurality” achieved the highest normalized weight (0.0916), followed by “qualitative differentiation of spatial zones and continuity of spatial hierarchy” (0.0648). Inspiration from vernacular architecture and collectivity occupied the subsequent priority positions. Energy-efficient bionic architecture requires moving beyond formal imitation of nature toward the translation of natural principles of adaptation, integration, contextual responsiveness, and organization into architectural solutions. The divergence between final priority and causal influence also demonstrates the importance of adopting a network-based rather than exclusively weight-based approach to architectural decision-making.