Multispecies Design Decision-making: A hybrid computational model for ecological building envelope optimization and evaluation

Urbanization causes habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss, factors often overlooked in traditional nature-based solutions that prioritize human-centric benefits. In response, ecologically inclusive design approaches, such as multispecies building envelopes, have emerged to support cohabitation between human and other-than-human stakeholders. To facilitate these interactions, this paper presents a computational hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model that optimizes and evaluates ecologically informed building envelopes. Integrating multi-objective and multi-attribute decision-making techniques into parametric workflows, the model optimizes schematic envelope alternatives using ecologically informed performance indicators. A case study applied to a generic building typology in a Mediterranean climate demonstrates the model’s ability to negotiate contextual objectives such as visual comfort, material use, energy performance, and ecological suitability. Tested under varied multispecies stakeholder priority scenarios and compared to a benchmark non-vegetated envelope, the optimized alternatives complied with local window-to-wall ratio regulations while distributing up to 1339.8 m³ of soil coverage. These configurations reduced summer solar radiation by more than 70% through self-shading and enhanced multispecies interactions by increasing plant species presence and climbing animal connectivity on the envelope. Model accuracy was validated using cross-platform comparison (MAE < 2.7E-07; RMSE < 3.1E-07), and sensitivity analysis confirmed ranking robustness. While limitations include ecological simplifications and durability assumptions, the model offers a practical and adaptable interdisciplinary tool for integrating ecological knowledge into early-stage design decision-making for holistically sustainable solutions.