Analyzing causes of urban blight using cognitive mapping and DEMATEL

Area of Science:

• Urban Studies
• Environmental Planning
• Social Science

Background:

• Urban blight is a pervasive issue, particularly in urban areas, stemming from property neglect.
• Blight leads to functional and social depreciation, resulting in uninhabitable conditions and negatively impacting residents.
• Affected neighborhoods often face socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and crime, exacerbating the blight problem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To deepen the understanding of urban blight.
• To identify the key causal factors contributing to blight.
• To overcome limitations of traditional blight research methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dual methodology combining cognitive mapping and the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique.
• This approach offers a transparent and flexible framework for analyzing cause-and-effect relationships in blight dynamics.
• A panel of specialists engaged in group debate to identify causation clusters.

Main Results:

• Six distinct clusters of blight causation were identified through expert consensus.
• The developed framework for analyzing blight was validated by field specialists.
• Validation included confirmation from the head of the Territorial and Environmental Assessment and Monitoring Division of Cascais City Council.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a novel methodology for understanding and analyzing urban blight.
• Identifying causal factors is crucial for effective blight prevention and mitigation strategies.
• The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers addressing blight issues.