Table 1 The operation of the BU approach to studying the adaptive reuse of architectural heritage based on the preference measurement method

i) Information analysis

Generate a shared understanding of the concept of and the values in the criteria and indicators (C & I) system and the current situation

Desk study, documentation and content analysis

Literature review, identify the generic C & I set and system boundaries, knowledge gaps, needs and expectations, and conduct training

Critical reflection, communication/knowledge sharing, stakeholder interactions, and dialogue

Team formation and boundaries for areas (e.g., site selection)

ii) Awareness building

Understanding architectural heritage and the direction of adaptive reuse

Discussion, stakeholder analysis, meetings, bio-physical, socio-economic, policy and SWOT analyses

Sharing ideas and experiences, system boundaries, facilitating the future direction of co-learning environments

Formulating problems, reflecting, sharing knowledge, experiences, views, skills, perspectives, values and capacities and desires for the future and creating the strategy

Improve understanding and practices and realise complex, dynamic and multi-level outcomes

iii) C & I development

C & I development and formulation of management strategies

Training/visioning workshops, focus group discussions, assessment, and multiple criteria analysis (MCA) approaches

Facilitating system approaches/perspectives, searching for common ground and linking future visions

Visioning and goal setting, planning and decision making, identifying key priority areas and knowledge gaps, dealing with risk and uncertainty, and developing management strategies for the desired future

C & I development and evaluation criteria

iv) Preference elicitation

Field verification and C & I assessment

Participatory resource mapping, social mapping, field visits, transects, household surveys, and multiple criteria techniques

MCA tools, techniques, and scenario analyses

Communication and knowledge sharing regarding multiple directions and preferences

Weight criteria, indicators, and qualitative and quantitative assessments

v) Application

Appropriate collective actions

Meetings, reflection, working strategies, and the formation of sub-action groups

Data collection and dissemination, analysis of results and of management options

Management decisions, effective conflict management, approvals, policy implications, self-assessment, and periodic review

Management strategies, self-assessment reports, and finalisation