International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

International Journal of Urban Management and Energy Sustainability

An Integrated Evidence-Based Framework Linking Architectural Spatial Configuration to Organizational Performance: A Five-Stage Fuzzy Delphi Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Farazin Soltani Gerd Faramarzi 1
Mehrdad Matin 2
Vahid Ghobadian 2
1 Department of Architecture, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Architecture, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ijumes.2026.2087431.1364
Abstract
This study aims to identify workplace spatial and environmental criteria relevant to employee productivity and develop an integrated conceptual framework for future empirical validation. It addresses the fragmentation of research concerning spatial configuration, environmental comfort, social interaction, sustainability, and employee performance. An exploratory, literature-informed design employed a five-round Fuzzy Delphi process. A literature-based screening identified 26 preliminary criteria, evaluated by 27 experts, including 17 CEOs, 2 managers, and 8 subject-matter experts. Experts used a five-point linguistic scale from Very Low (1) to Very High (5). Judgments were transformed into trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, and consensus was determined using a difference threshold of 0.20, with values ≤0.20 indicating consensus. From Round 2 onward, experts received feedback on differences between their judgments and aggregated group opinions and could revise or confirm their responses. The process showed progressive convergence: 4 criteria reached consensus after Round 2, 14 additional criteria in Round 3, 5 in Round 4, and the final 3 in Round 5, all with a difference value of 0.00. The consensual criteria were organized into five conceptual dimensions: Ergonomics and Environmental Comfort; Communication and Social Interaction; Spatial Layout and Organization; Sustainability and Energy Optimization; and Employee Productivity and Performance. The study provides an expert-informed framework integrating spatial, environmental, social, sustainability, and performance considerations and establishes a basis for future empirical testing.

Graphical Abstract

An Integrated Evidence-Based Framework Linking Architectural Spatial Configuration to Organizational Performance: A Five-Stage Fuzzy Delphi Study

Highlights

•     An integrated, evidence-based framework links architectural spatial configuration to organizational performance and employee productivity.

•     A five-round Fuzzy Delphi process evaluated 26 literature-derived criteria with 27 experts, including 17 CEOs, 2 managers and 8 subject-matter experts.

•     Expert judgments converged progressively, 4 criteria after Round 2, 14 more in Round 3, 5 in Round 4 and the final 3 in Round 5, all criteria reaching consensus at a ≤ 0.20 difference threshold.

•     The consensual criteria are organized into five interrelated dimensions: ergonomics and environmental comfort, communication and social interaction, spatial layout and organization, sustainability and energy optimization, and employee productivity and performance.

•     Office-building efficiency cannot be reduced to a single attribute; the dimensions must be considered simultaneously, and causal relationships remain theoretical propositions for future empirical testing.

Keywords
Built environment
employee performance
environmental comfort
Fuzzy Delphi
organizational behavior
spatial organization
 
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  • Receive Date 24 April 2026
  • Revise Date 17 September 2026
  • Accept Date 27 October 2026