Harang Seo
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DRAWING DEEPER CONNECTIONS
Defining "Building Performance' within the Bartlett School of Architecture
Defining "Building Performance' within the Bartlett School of Architecture
This research analyses existing Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE) frameworks inthe UK and their current use within the architectural profession, arguing the needto highlight the role of user feedback loops which emphasis the holistic nature ofbuilding evaluation practices. Building evaluation practices should not be limitedto assessing energy usage or technical performance, but should also consider thesatisfaction and well-being of the building users.
As architectural commentator Sofie Pelsmaker writes about the architecturaleducation and architecture during the climate and ecological emergency, theprofession must re-evaluate a “holistic sustainable architecture” which “takesinto account the interconnections” of systems requiring “ a culture shift and anew ethical position1.”During a climate emergency, it is critical for all schools ofarchitecture, not least the Bartlett School of Architecture, to understand andimplement methods which optimise design outputs far beyond the project brief.Rigorous testing of our spaces ensures that they communicate the intention ofthe designer while matching the needs and expectations of all stakeholders of abuilding.
The genesis of “Founders Keepers” contextualises my research within the fabricof the Bartlett School of Architecture, which I will further explore how occupantscan understand the relationships they form with space.
“Founders Keepers” is apermanent fixture within the first floor of the Bartlett School of Architecture, withits central aim to encourage students to bring waste to the forefront of design.It operates as a student led free materials shop designed to combat waste byproviding students with materials for their projects. The inception of the shop wasinformed by the gaps in, further developed by the relevant stakeholders such asstudents, faculty and staff members.
The methodology I have taken to conduct my research include academic literatureand trade journalism surrounding the delivery of post occupancy evaluations, andtheir impact on the wider industry. This includes broader intertwined conceptssuch as building performance and building performance evaluations along withtheir relevant standards required in the UK. I will dissect the practices of POEsthrough three case studies. Innovate UK’s Building Performance EvaluationProgramme, FCB “Learning from schools” publication and Founders Keepers whichis situated within the Bartlett School of Architecture. Feedback is a key aspect ofmy research where I have collected data from interviews with several students andmy own experiences that demonstrate insights into my research question.
It was only in 2020 that RIBA overhauled the Plan of Work, which introducedsustainability as its main concern, where post-occupancy actions featured withinthe broader goals in the guidelines2. RIBA recommends that facilities managementand asset management teams are introduced in stage 7: “Use.” Along withundertaking POE of buildings and the verification of Project and Sustainabilityoutcomes, it also encourages evaluation to take place as early as the start of stage6: “Handover” lasting the life of the building. The Plan of Work is a comprehensiveframework which guides architects and designers through the design process ofbuildings based upon 7 years of feedback from the construction industry.
As architectural commentator Sofie Pelsmaker writes about the architecturaleducation and architecture during the climate and ecological emergency, theprofession must re-evaluate a “holistic sustainable architecture” which “takesinto account the interconnections” of systems requiring “ a culture shift and anew ethical position1.”During a climate emergency, it is critical for all schools ofarchitecture, not least the Bartlett School of Architecture, to understand andimplement methods which optimise design outputs far beyond the project brief.Rigorous testing of our spaces ensures that they communicate the intention ofthe designer while matching the needs and expectations of all stakeholders of abuilding.
The genesis of “Founders Keepers” contextualises my research within the fabricof the Bartlett School of Architecture, which I will further explore how occupantscan understand the relationships they form with space.
“Founders Keepers” is apermanent fixture within the first floor of the Bartlett School of Architecture, withits central aim to encourage students to bring waste to the forefront of design.It operates as a student led free materials shop designed to combat waste byproviding students with materials for their projects. The inception of the shop wasinformed by the gaps in, further developed by the relevant stakeholders such asstudents, faculty and staff members.
The methodology I have taken to conduct my research include academic literatureand trade journalism surrounding the delivery of post occupancy evaluations, andtheir impact on the wider industry. This includes broader intertwined conceptssuch as building performance and building performance evaluations along withtheir relevant standards required in the UK. I will dissect the practices of POEsthrough three case studies. Innovate UK’s Building Performance EvaluationProgramme, FCB “Learning from schools” publication and Founders Keepers whichis situated within the Bartlett School of Architecture. Feedback is a key aspect ofmy research where I have collected data from interviews with several students andmy own experiences that demonstrate insights into my research question.
It was only in 2020 that RIBA overhauled the Plan of Work, which introducedsustainability as its main concern, where post-occupancy actions featured withinthe broader goals in the guidelines2. RIBA recommends that facilities managementand asset management teams are introduced in stage 7: “Use.” Along withundertaking POE of buildings and the verification of Project and Sustainabilityoutcomes, it also encourages evaluation to take place as early as the start of stage6: “Handover” lasting the life of the building. The Plan of Work is a comprehensiveframework which guides architects and designers through the design process ofbuildings based upon 7 years of feedback from the construction industry.