What is the purpose of post occupancy evaluations?

The purpose of post-occupancy evaluations primarily revolves around gathering feedback and insights after a building has been occupied, which serves to inform future designs based on past experiences. This process aims to assess how well the design of the space meets the needs of its occupants and how effectively it performs in real-world conditions. By analyzing occupant feedback and performance data, architects and designers can identify successful features and those that require improvements. This knowledge is invaluable in refining design strategies and fostering better outcomes in future projects, leading to more functional and satisfactory environments.

While other aspects such as occupant satisfaction, maintenance needs, and property values might indirectly reflect the building's success, the core purpose of post-occupancy evaluations is to utilize these evaluations as a learning tool for informing subsequent designs, driving innovation, and enhancing overall design practices within the architectural field.