Abstract
The multivariate nature of architectural psychology makes it an appropriate field for the application of facet theory and its associated analysis methods. The area of postoccupancy user evaluations of buildings (henceforth called “evaluations”) has, over the last 4 years, derived considerable benefit from the application of facet theory. In this chapter the development of a “general mapping sentence for purposive evaluation of places” (Canter, 1983) will be considered. The model has been applied in a number of settings and has revealed a consistent empirical structure for evaluations. The model has not yet reached a terminal state of research and development; however, by using the facet approach it is possible to address some remaining problems and ambiguities. Here we will consider the model as applied to three settings: hospital wards (Kenny & Canter, 1981; Canter & Kenny, 1982); housing (Canter & Rees, 1982); and an as-yet-unpublished study of offices (Donald, 1983). As the application of facet theory to evaluation has proved to be fruitful in advancing the field of evaluation in ways in which previous “conventional” approaches have failed, it is worth considering the major criticisms of the field so as to reveal how facet theory has proved to be beneficial.
Published Version
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