Building Knowledge

Pathways to Post Occupancy Evaluation helps architects to embed project evaluation into their work. Published by the RIBA, the guidance challenges the low take-up of post occupancy evaluation in architecture. It argues that evaluation is critical to closing the gap between design intent and outcomes, and vital in evidencing the value of good design.

Benefits include:
- Improved building design and performance
- Strengthened reputation and brand
- Reduced risk
- Collaborative working
- Shared learning

The report provides a summary of approaches to evaluation. These include methods that explore the links between building design and a range of outcomes including:

- Energy use
- Biodiversity
- Building running costs
- Business reputation and brand
- Student learning
- Employee satisfaction and productivity
- Patient well-being

The report is illustrated by nine case studies featuring built projects that have been evaluated, and methodologies that have been successfully applied in practice.

These include:

- Social impact: Maggie’s, Nottingham by CZWG
- Business efficiency: Morelands, London by AHMM
- Collective learning: New Art Exchange, Nottingham by Hawkins\Brown
- User experience: Lordship Eco-Hub, London by Anne Thorne Architects
- Environmental performance: Foundry Studios, London by Cullinan Studio
- Designing with care: Hospice designs by JDDK Architects
- The value of sustainable design: Cheshire Oaks M&S, Elsemere Port by Aukett Swanke
- Learning spaces: Wilkinson Primary School, Wolverhampton by Architype
- Universal evaluation: Sustainable Investment Policy by URBED

The guidance was written by Rowena Hay with Simon Bradbury and Flora Samuel for the RIBA and the University of Reading, and was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Download the guidance for free here.

Shortwork continues to develop work in this area and have recently published an article in Building Research and Information. Download the article for free here.