The dormitory building design is a comprehensive procedure that requires the integration of multiple objectives to meet the demands of occupants and society. However, building energy consumption and thermal and visual comfort are often contradictory during the preliminary design process. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization framework based on Pareto front solutions to optimize the energy, thermal and visual performance of dormitory buildings in a cold climate. Three typical spatial layouts and important design variables of dormitory buildings, including orientation, geometric dimension, window-to-wall ratio, U-value and solar heat gain coefficient of glazing, shading type, openable window area ratio and green roof are systematically discussed. The results show that compared to the reference design, the multi-objective optimization method can simultaneously reduce energy use density by 27%–46% and summer thermal discomfort time by 6%–10% and improve Useful Daylight Illuminance by 0%–5%. The potential for energy saving and thermal comfort of the double-sided corridor layout is the greatest, while the single-sided open corridor layout has the greatest daylighting potential. Furthermore, optimal ranges of design variables for different spatial layout types are recommended. Architects can choose appropriate space layout types and corresponding design variable values according to actual engineering needs towards a sustainable indoor built environment.