Embedding building performance evaluation in UK architectural practice and beyond

Abstract

Despite repeated efforts to foreground Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in many countries, few have any policy or legislation in place to mandate this process. Large scale voluntary efforts have also failed to provide successful templates through which to mainstream broader Building performance Evaluation (BPE) activity within which POE sits. This paper reviews various programmes and initiatives in the UK which have attempted to embed first POE, then BPE over the last twenty years within a global context, using a practice-based approach based on the author's experience of working in the field over this period. Key findings are: a failure of government to systemically follow through on BPE initiatives, stakeholders operating independently of eachother, a lack of institutional engagement in the education sector as a key driver for BPE, and the potential for interdisciplinary models to embrace all members of the design team as well as the client. The paper then examines the means by which BPE has been successfully embedded into practice directly, through deep organisational learning and knowledge exchange activities. Recommendations for these models to be replicated through professional institutions, other learning organisations and regulatory frameworks in the UK are put forward in the Conclusion as a way forward.

The contested privileging of zero carbon: plausibility, persuasiveness and professionalism

“…Indeed, the architect is unlikely to be involved beyond the point of their commission, other than perhaps making intermittent appearances for the purposes of post-occupancy evaluation (POE). POEs should ideally extend throughout a building's lifecycle and are best conceived as ' double-loop' learning opportunities for the benefit of all involved (Patel & Green 2020;Stevenson 2019). Such a conceptualisation is consistent with the emerging narrative of co-design as an activity that transcends the project lifecycle and which applies equally to retrofit and new-build projects alike.…”

Systematic assessment with "POE" method in office buildings cases study on the redesign results of office interior after occupied and operated

“…W. F. Preiser et al, (1988) divided the POE process into 3 parts, including indicative, inves- [24]. There are 3 main objectives in POE, conducted in the practice of spatial design, including objectivity, inclusiveness, and results in distribution [45]. POE is an essential topic for the building industry in providing a feedback mechanism for architects on performance as a form of successful design.…”

Beyond the performance gap: reclaiming building appraisal through archival research

“…The history of POE thereafter is best described as chequered, and it has long-since faced significant institutional barriers to adoption (Stevenson, 2019). While precise definitions of POE are contested, Preiser and Vischer (2005) remain influential in their emphasis on the evaluation of the extent to which a building meets the needs of its 'users'.…”

“…Riley et al (2010) further observe that the phrase POE is in itself misleading in that it gives the impression that it should be completed as a one-off exercise once the building is occupied. It has of course long since been argued that POE should be understood as part of a broader commitment to 'building performance evaluation' which continues throughout the building's life-cycle (Coleman et al, 2018;Preiser et al 2005;Stevenson, 2019). Here lies another argument which is repeatedly made, and repeatedly forgotten.…”

“…However, much of the debate about 'sustaining the knowledge-base of the profession' relates to narrowly defined version of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) whereby the building is reduced to a fixed object (cf. Stevenson, 2019).…”