Post-occupancy Evaluation Research Research Articles

Analysis of the progress of domestic post-occupancy evaluation (POE) research based on bibliometrics

This study aims to examine the status and developmental trends of Chinese Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) research literature from 2002 to 2022 using a bibliometric approach. Leveraging the CiteSpace software tool and utilizing the CNKI database as the exploration scope, we conducted visual analyses of publication volume, research institutions, highly cited papers, and keywords in Chinese POE research literature between 2002 and 2022. Through our analysis, we found that Chinese POE research has exhibited a shift from introducing macro-level theories and methods towards specific practical applications over the past 20 years. It also identified issues such as insufficient systemic stability and data granularity. This study, employing bibliometric methods and tools, makes a significant contribution to the field of POE research.

Case study approach in post-occupancy evaluation research

A case study is a research approach that focuses on one or multiple real-life cases as the subject, encompassing both concrete entities such as individuals, groups, or organizations, as well as abstract constructs like processes, networks, or projects. This approach is employed to in-deep investigate complex issues and has been applied in various disciplines, such as; the social sciences, humanities, management, psychology, and architecture. The specific characteristics of a case study involve thorough exploration and analysis, data collection from diverse sources, and identification of key themes within the case. The strength of case studies lies in their ability to combine quantitative and qualitative data, enabling researchers to gain a profound understanding of the processes and outcomes of a phenomenon. This study applies a systematic literature review from several credible scholar articles. Two architectural case study researches are selected as precedents to provide a concrete overview of the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and procedural framework of implementing the case study approach. Analysis is conducted by comparing various gathered data to discern the potential for case studies to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of issues and the quest for their solutions.

Editorial: Design quality: what we learned from evidence-based design and post-occupancy evaluation research during the COVID-19 pandemic

Editorial: Design quality: what we learned from evidence-based design and post-occupancy evaluation research during the COVID-19 pandemic

Innovating digital POE platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of co-production in Brazilian social housing

This paper deals with digital POE methods focusing on their reached potential in facilitating the face-to-face experiments demanded by the project. Recognized as a set of methods and instruments applied in environments during use, Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) can help manage the project process, providing diagnoses and recommendations that feed new projects and interventions in environments in use. POE approaches have been continually restructured in the face of new environmental, social, economic and especially technological demands. In early 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic, lockdowns and quarantines made it challenging to continue to apply traditional face-to-face POE-based tools and techniques. Simultaneously, the MORA Housing Research Group was carrying out a research project in the city of Uberlândia (Brazil) focusing on the understanding of the relationship between the incidence of arboviruses in the case study social housing neighbourhood, the occupants’ practices, and the built environment management, through POE. The social distancing measures applied during the Covid-19 pandemic led the research team to transform methods from face-to-face to hybrid ones, comprising digital and physical approaches to co-produce durable solutions against dengue. The work comprises a five stage method using on-shelf digital platforms and designing other 2 specifically for the project’s purposes. By introducing the digital/physical hybrid POE format, the use of social networks and messaging applications significantly reduced the number of necessary visits by researchers to the neighbourhood from 20 to 5 in the first stage of the work, saving a lot of time and effort. The new tools were easy to use for all users. Users reported finding it pleasant to participate in activities with digitally remote researchers. The findings from this project indicate that the incorporation of new digital tools to facilitate physical POE research as a novel hybrid approach provides a successful alternative approach to standard POE processes that are based on face-to-face participation.

A machine vision–based, quantitative method of capturing spatiotemporal activity for post-occupancy evaluation research

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is a user-focused evaluation method, centered around understanding how dwellers occupy and use built environments. Collecting big data on user behavior has become essential for POE. In this paper, the limitations of current POE protocol data adoption and analysis methods are analyzed, and a quantitative research method based on machine vision (MV) to quantify users’ spatio-temporal behavior for POE is developed, which can acquire high-resolution data more efficiently and accurately than the common methods in this field. In particular, the method of calculating user activity using frame difference algorithms fills the gap of quantifying user activity in POE research. The outdoor space of a kindergarten and the indoor space of a university library are selected to validate the method. After analyzing 4.5 million frames of data accumulated over 50 consecutive hours in the outdoor space, and 8.82 million frames of data accumulated over 98 consecutive hours in the indoor space, our method successfully analyzed usage of indoor and outdoor spaces and generated multiple quantitative indices of POE from high-resolution spatiotemporal behavior variables. The robustness, convenience, and practicability of this method in practical applications are verified. This method is simple to use, can adapt to a variety of built environments, and has a low cost. It has potential competitiveness for large-scale application. Quantitative POE research methods enhance the flow of information from space usage to spatial design and provide a data-driven basis for improving spatial sustainability, planning, design, and decision making.

Scientometric analysis of post-occupancy evaluation research: Development, frontiers and main themes

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE), a comprehensive evaluating approach for building operational performance, has attracted considerable research attention worldwide. This research is the first inclusive scientometric review of POE research, aiming to systematically analyse and visualise the existing POE literature. Through four steps of data collection, 1,351 POE articles over past two decades from Web of Science have been gathered and analysed by using CiteSpace. This research retrospectively traces the development of POE research from 2002 to 2021 The review identifies that the main focuses of POE research have dynamically formed with the interdisciplinary characteristic. By generating scientific knowledge maps of the co-occurrence, emergence and clusters of keywords, it intuitively shows that some particular keywords, such as ‘performance’, ‘thermal comfort’ and ‘IEQ’, are much more obvious than others; a series of hotspots have emerged in different times; and three main themes are outlined and critical reviewed based on scientometric findings, i.e., energy consumption monitoring of building operations, indoor environmental quality and the evaluation of occupants’ perceptions. This research has implications for policy makers, developers and researchers in the building sector by providing them with a detailed account of status quo and the trend of POE.

THE POST-OCCUPANCY DILEMMA IN GREEN-RATED BUILDINGS: A PERFORMANCE GAP ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT The traditional construction industry has a significant and far-reaching impact on the environment, economy, and society. Green-certified buildings, with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), DGNB (Deutsches Gütesiegel Nachhaltiges Bauen), or other certifications during the design stage, have great potential for increasing the effective use of resources and energy, reducing pollution, etc., and so their number has increased greatly in recent years. The post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of green buildings involves assessing whether they meet expected performance during the in-use phase and comprises four steps: (i) carrying out the research purpose/goal; (ii) determining the research objectives; (iii) conducting data collection, analysis, and visualization; and (iv) obtaining the results and drawing conclusions. However, there is a lack of reviews of POE research and analysis of reasons for actual performance gaps. In response and through a comprehensive literature review/analysis, this article summarizes the actual performance gaps of various greencertified projects, analyzes the reasons for failures, and proposes potential solutions. It is found that 74%, 12%, and 14% of the projects perform better, similar, and worse, respectively, than their non-green counterparts. Future POE green building projects can be optimized from the perspective of the building, user, and POE system. To optimize green building actual performance, it is important to ensure the sufficient education of installation and maintenance personnel and occupants’ green behavior, while interior design and decoration, the impact of user demographics, and POE performance indicators are key factors to be considered in green building design strategies and lifecycle evaluation systems.

Bibliometric Analysis of Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE): Current Status, Development, and Future Research Directions

The application of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) has increased recently, owing to the methodology's ability to improve building performance. However, the procedures employed vary depending on the building's suitability and category. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive survey to explore the state-of-the-art POE research. Bibliometric analysis was used to retrieve 381 POE publications from the Scopus database between 1979 and 2020. VOSviewer software was applied for the visualization and scientific mapping of literature. The study helps researchers understand by offering comprehensive data about the most literate nation contributions, publications' significant sources, and devoted authors to POE publications. The findings revealed that the United States, the United Kingdom, and China had rendered the three most literature contributions; Building Research and Information were the top publication's significant source titles, and Hassanain, M.A. is incredibly devoted to POE publication. Research hotspots in the POE focus on building performance, architectural design, and sustainable development. The primary themes in POE concentrate on comfort, sustainability, performance, design and criteria. Future research should emphasize that POE is used on heritage buildings to ensure that these buildings perform well for sustainability. It will significantly value the people involved in the design, construction and also conservation practice.

Graduate Research Abstracts of Post-Occupancy Evaluations Used in Design and Construction: A Bounded Qualitative Meta-Study

Since its formal introduction in 1967, the concept of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) has been the focus of several substantial books as well as being addressed in key professional journals. In addition, specific POE endeavors related to private and government projects have issued reports of their work. Despite this attention, college and university graduate research work on POEs has not been explored. The purpose of this meta-study using document analysis is to explore the characteristics and implications of college and university graduate POE research focusing on design/construction by analyzing the abstracts of graduate master’s theses and doctoral dissertations that substantially utilized the concept of POE. Results are reported by addressing the characteristics of the research degrees (location/place, type, year, institution, methods associated with the degree, and status of publication) and the characteristics of the research (settings, and focus). The article concludes by calling on the design/construction fields to explore ways to support a greater focus on the communication/coordination and dissemination of international graduate POE research.

Post Occupancy Evaluation in Architectural Education and Practice

Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is a research method that examines how buildings function; when the functions include social life, social science methods must be employed. This paper advocates using POE social research both in architectural practice and in architectural education to promote evidence‐based design. Based on four decades of experience teaching POE to undergraduates at the University of California Berkeley, we show how POE can be conducted and taught: gather the research questions, set up teams to collect data using different data collection techniques, and analyze the results by comparing and contrasting the findings of each team. We discuss the importance of POE research to architectural practice, education, and accumulated institutional knowledge.

Measuring the relationship between spatial configuration, diversity and user behavior: A Post Occupancy Evaluation study in Istanbul’s peripheral districts

Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is a robust tool to systematically evaluate the effects of design decisions on spatial performance and to identify the relationship between the space and its users. Although there is a growing body of POE research on complex buildings, such as hospitals and education spaces, studies on the POE evaluation of public open spaces are limited. More importantly, few studies have investigated public squares designed at the periphery and how they are used.
 This study aims to identify the extent to which spatial configuration of public squares is related to users’ behavior (i.e., modes/distances of access, level of satisfaction). For this purpose, we focused on four peripheral urban squares located in Istanbul, Turkey. The methodology applied in the study includes a synthesis of three types of expertise: 1) behavioral mapping of urban squares (through the analysis of patterns of use based on direct observation), 2) cognitive evaluation of spaces based on perceived factors (through user questionnaires), and 3) quantifying urban public spaces objectively (through the methodology of space syntax and urban morphology).
 The results identify associations between objective characteristics of public spaces designed at the peripheral districts, patterns of use and users’ perception of these areas, to a certain extent. For example, the variety and intensity of activities within the square as well as the length of occupancy are highest for Avcılar square, which is most integrated within its urban surroundings with reduced average block size. An important finding is the association between the average street connectivity levels of these squares with their pedestrian catchment areas. In other words, the more integrated a public urban space is with its surroundings (800mt buffers), its users will access this space on foot from a larger distance. Based on these findings, spatial configuration as measured by space syntax measures appears to be an explanatory measure assessing the potentiality of public open spaces for bringing users together, hence, creating a lively, well-used space. However, the results also point to some disagreements between the perceived (users’ evaluations) and objective (syntactic analysis) measurements, which indicate that both types of measurements are needed in POE research of public spaces.

A systematic conduct of POE for polyclinic facilities in Saudi Arabia

PurposeThis paper presents a systematic conduct of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) for polyclinic facilities at public hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThis is a mixed design research, where a review of literature was utilized, to qualitatively synthesize POE research on healthcare facilities. Three polyclinic facilities at Saudi Arabia were then assessed. The assessment was systematically conducted by the utilization of surveys and relative importance indices to solicit the experts’ and users' perspectives. The research included the conduct of physical measurements and walkthroughs inspections. Lastly, focus group meetings were conducted to generate recommendations that would improve the built environment conditions of polyclinic facilities.FindingsThe research identified unsatisfactory zoning, indoor air quality and concerns related to installations of different systems. Performance elements and subsequent indicators were identified and evaluated for their significance. The knowledge of these, enables the systematic conduct of POE, by exemplary case studies, for the managers and decision-makers of polyclinic facilities.Originality/valueThis research presents a comprehensive approach for the systematic conduct of POE at polyclinic facilities. The research enriches the literature and fulfils a contextual gap. The recommendations serve to enhance feedforward, the design and management of healthcare facilities.

Post-occupancy evaluation: A diagnostic tool to establish and sustain inclusive access in Kyrenia Town Centre

The purpose of this article is to examine inclusive access criteria and explore the significance of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) for establishing and sustaining social inclusion in urban centres. Since the post-occupancy evaluation research framework was drawn on for appraising urban open space's accessibility and usability for people with and without physical disabilities, the POE methodology could be adapted for similar urban contexts and was tested on the upgrade projects in Kyrenia Town Centre (KTC) for use by both disabled and non-disabled people. A survey and structured observations with behavioural mapping were used to test urban space user's preferences, needs and satisfaction levels regarding desirable qualities of urban centres: adaptability, safety, comfort, dignity, density, legibility and autonomy. Using representative samples, a survey (sample size = 383) was initially conducted and then systematic observations (sample size = 1620) were performed to obtain data necessary to complete behavioural maps. The survey findings showed that the KTC possesses physical and social barriers, which represent challenges for both disabled and non-disabled users. Therefore, post-occupancy evaluation could be beneficial for the development of inclusive design policy and should be a necessary component of design process in order for determining what is needed to create the most inclusive environment by including disabled segments of the community.

BIM-based performance monitoring for smart building management

PurposeEffective use of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) data – quantitative physical measurements and qualitative occupants’ perceptions are limited due to practical challenges and research gaps. Although building information modelling (BIM) has enabled a paradigm shift in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries, its use in facility management (FM) is still infancy. Limited research has used building performance data to enable changes to BIM models for the benefit of FM. This paper aims to propose the innovative process to collect and contextualize two fragmented types of POE data sets by filling methodological gap in POE research. Moreover, it presents innovative modelling techniques to facilitate BIM as a more effective platform to visualize such currently fragmented data sets in real-time while enabling a decision-making model to benefit facility managers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a process of capturing cloud-based POE data, both wireless sensor network-based physical measurement data and mobile app-based occupant perception data. Real-time capture and visualization of such building performance data was demonstrated through a pilot data collection. Subsequently, the innovative visualization of the cloud connected data is supported by a prototype game engine-based BIM model.FindingsCloud-based POE data, both quantitative physical measurements and qualitative occupants’ reported perceptions, can be effectively used in FM practice with the use of innovative data capture and visualization techniques in a beneficial manner for facility operation and management decisions. This paper also demonstrates the ability of BIM to serve as a “single source of truth” to support post-construction building performance data.Originality/valueWhile addressing a number of research gaps, the paper provides a holistic approach to BIM-based performance monitoring for smart FM to achieve the ultimate vision of BIM enabled FM. The innovative system is expected to provide a powerful and practical tool for data collection, analysis and visualization for intelligent facility management decision making. This paper contributes to fill an important research and practice gap in the area of next generation smart building management practices.

The need for post-occupancy evaluation of public apartment buildings in Ghana

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine and show why post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of public apartment buildings in Ghana as a product of design is important.Design/methodology/approach– By design the paper is descriptive. It uses a literature review as a method to summarize, synthesize and show the gaps in the existing knowledge on public apartment buildings in general and Ghana in particular. These arguments are brought together in a conceptual framework for approaching POE studies.Findings– This paper finds that gaps exist in the existing POE research knowledge regarding public apartment buildings in Ghana not only as residential settings but also as designed artifacts intended for use.Research limitations/implications– There is a need for scientific research which focus on the design and use of public apartment buildings in Ghana to provide empirical basis for design, policy and research decision-making.Social implications– This paper shows that occupants’ feedback information is important, as it can benefits government, designers and builders, building regulators and managers, as well as end users.Originality/value– The paper contributes a conceptual framework based on which POE studies can be designed.

One size does not fit all: a diagnostic post-occupancy evaluation model for an emergency department.

This study presents a detailed account of processes and multiple methodologies used in conducting a diagnostic post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in an urban hospital emergency department. Healthcare design POE research findings can lead to improved work environments for healthcare providers and higher levels of staff, patient, and visitor satisfaction. This evaluation was conducted in two separate phases over 12 months, with data analysis occurring after each phase. Phase 1 involved 200 hours of observation, physical measurements, and occupancy counts. Phase 2 included surveys (n = 315) of staff, visitors, and patients. In addition, eight distinct staff focus groups (e.g., Nursing, Housekeeping, Physician, etc.) were conducted. To illustrate the process, one healthcare design-related issue, privacy and confidentiality, was assessed in light of the linear design model with a central core. Phase 1 observation results indicated that most confidential conversations were contained within the linear core. However, Phase 2 focus groups revealed that many staff members had concerns regarding the level of privacy and confidentiality due to the core's open design. The use of multiple methods provided greater information and a more comprehensive picture of the emergency department environment and design. This study presents a comprehensive framework for diagnostic post-occupancy evaluation in healthcare design. The findings indicate that a systematic, multi-methodological approach developed around a conceptual framework can lead to higher quality evaluations. Diagnostic POEs should be grounded in extant literature and customized based on the setting, the client's guiding principles, and the design team's objectives. In diagnostic POEs, one size does not fit all. Case study, design process, interdisciplinary, post-occupancy, privacy and confidentiality.

End-user experiences in nearly zero-energy houses

High end-user satisfaction levels are key for the acceptance of nearly zero-energy housing. Post-occupancy evaluation research on highly energy-efficient dwellings can lead to recommendations which will influence their performance in the expected future large volume market of such houses. This study analysed mainly German, Austrian and Swiss post-occupancy evaluation research results on nearly zero-energy dwellings and undertook a survey of occupants of nearly zero-energy houses in the Netherlands. The study determined how various comfort parameters (such as winter thermal comfort, summer thermal comfort, indoor air quality and acoustics), information provision and control parameters are related to positive or negative end-user appraisal, finding that summer comfort design and the quality of – and information about – heating and ventilation systems are critical factors which must be addressed to improve user satisfaction in nearly zero-energy dwellings.

The Impact of Post-Occupancy Evaluation Research

A comprehensive post-occupancy evaluation of subsidized housing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is described. The study was unique because it was initiated and financed by the city agencies responsible for the planning, regulation, and administration of public housing programs. One of the most important findings of the study was the importance of territorial definition and site security. This issue is used to illustrate the type of information the study generated and the impact it has had on the housing system in Albuquerque.