Post-occupancy evaluation (POE)

Abstract

Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is defined as the “examination of the effectiveness for human users of occupied designed environments” (Zimring & Reizenstein, 1980). POE is a tool that is used in the building industry, primarily in the early or late stages of project management. It should provide feedback on the performance of the building after it has been built and occupied. Depending on the stage, both project manager and the team behind them can use the results for optimizing the existing building or learning for upcoming projects. The focus of POE lies among others in energy performance, indoor environment quality, occupants’ satisfaction, and productivity (Li et al., 2018). POE is used in three different levels depending on the detail of the evaluation: indicative, investigative, and diagnostic.

Historically POE has its origin in the 1960s after various reporting of problems experienced in building performance, especially from the building user perspective (Preiser, 1995).

The tool (big idea)

describe the tool, concept, or theory and explain its purpose. The section should reflect the current state of the art on the topic

• OVERACHRCHING BENEFIT: support the goal of continuous improvement
• other benefits:
  • ....

Short history recap

• POE was introduced in the 1960s
• Reason: significant problems experienced in building performance with particular emphasis on the building occupant perspective
• First noted in institutional care facilities (hospitals, nursing homes) and correctional facilities

POE today

• Many designers and other key participants in the design process have never heard of or been involved in a POE
• POEs are still far from being an ingrained part of the facility delivery process
• Barriers to implementing:
  • ....

Level of POE

1. Indicative
2. Investigative
3. Diagnostic

Application

provide guidance on how to use the tool, concept or theory and when it is applicable

• building environment

Early stages in the project management

• improve new buildings by learning from previous mistakes

Final stages of the project management

• controlling instrument

Limitations

critically reflect on the tool/concept/theory. When possible, substantiate your claims with literature

Annotated bibliography

Provide key references (3-10), where a reader can find additional information on the subject.

1. Zimring, C. M., & Reizenstein, J. E. (1980). Post-Occupancy Evaluation. Environment and Behavior, 12(4), 429–450. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916580124002
2. Preiser, W. F. E. (1995). Post-occupancy evaluation: how to make buildings work better. Facilities, 13(11), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632779510097787
3. Zimmerman, A., & Martin, M. (2001). Post-occupancy evaluation: Benefits and barriers. Building Research and Information, 29(2), 168–174. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210010016857

Notes

Life Cycle (of buildings) Learnings for new projects

General Information

Inke Lindberg, s223191