Prioritizing Architectural Design Strategies for an International Conference Center Based on Social Sustainability and Islamic Interfaith Convergence Using the SWOT–QSPM Approach

Hadavand Mirzaei, Mostafa; Moshabaki Isfahani, Alireza

doi:10.22034/ijumes.2025.735603

Prioritizing Architectural Design Strategies for an International Conference Center Based on Social Sustainability and Islamic Interfaith Convergence Using the SWOT–QSPM Approach

Document Type : Case Study

Authors

Mostafa Hadavand Mirzaei

Alireza Moshabaki Isfahani

Department of Art and Architecture, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/ijumes.2025.735603

Abstract

Contemporary public architecture plays an important role in promoting social cohesion, cultural identity, and intercultural communication in urban environments. International conference centers, as multifunctional public institutions, can facilitate social interaction and Islamic interfaith dialogue when designed through socially sustainable architectural approaches. However, many contemporary public buildings lack an integrated framework that simultaneously addresses architectural quality, social sustainability, and cultural convergence. Therefore, this study aims to develop and prioritize architectural design strategies for an international conference center with an emphasis on social sustainability and interreligious convergence, considering Abbas Abad area in Tehran as the case study. The research adopts an applied, descriptive–analytical methodology. Data were collected through literature review, documentary studies, and expert evaluations. Internal and external factors affecting the architectural design process were identified using the SWOT framework, and strategic priorities were ranked through the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matri . The findings reveal that the “Integrated Management for Design Project Management” strategy achieved the highest attractiveness score among the proposed strategies. The results indicate that integrated management enhances coordination between spatial, social, cultural, and functional dimensions and improves the overall quality of architectural decision-making. Furthermore, socially sustainable architectural environments can strengthen public participation, reinforce collective identity, and improve intercultural and interreligious interaction. The study concludes that integrating strategic planning tools with architectural design processes provides an effective framework for creating socially responsive public spaces and offers a practical model for architects and urban designers in developing culturally sustainable public institutions.

Graphical Abstract

Prioritizing Architectural Design Strategies for an International Conference Center Based on Social Sustainability and Islamic Interfaith Convergence Using the SWOT–QSPM Approach

Highlights

Contemporary international conference centers can facilitate social interaction and Islamic interfaith dialogue when designed through socially sustainable architectural approaches.
Internal and external factors were identified using the SWOT framework, and strategic priorities were ranked through the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM).
The "Integrated Management for Design Project Management" strategy achieved the highest attractiveness score (QSPM = 3.34) among all proposed competitive strategies.
Integrated management enhances coordination between spatial, social, cultural, and functional dimensions and improves the overall quality of architectural decision-making.
Socially sustainable architectural environments can strengthen public participation, reinforce collective identity, and improve intercultural and interreligious interaction in urban public spaces.

Keywords

Architecture

approximation of Islamic religions

International Conference Center

social sustainability

SWOT method

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