Evaluation of buildings in real conditions of use: Current situation

Abstract

Nowadays, the construction industry does not have any feedback regarding the operation of buildings. The evaluation of buildings in real conditions of use or post occupancy evaluation is the systematic study of buildings with the objective of determining the performance once they are inhabited. It is a process of revision and identification of the strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the condition of existing buildings and provide feedback for future designs. With the purpose of having an approach to studies and proposals related to the topic, this article presents a review of the literature on methodologies and cases of applications of evaluations of buildings in real conditions of use, identifying the referred study factors, gathering information on tools used and the existing types of post occupancy evaluation, as well as the integrated study factors of evaluation and certification of environmental performance in buildings, whose time of application is phase one. Finally, the benefits and application barriers associated to post occupancy evaluation and issues for further investigation will be presented.