A multi-phase systematic framework for performance appraisal of architectural design studio facilities

Purpose: The objectives of this paper are to present the development of an indicative multi-phase systematic framework for performance appraisal of architectural design studio facilities, and to present the findings of the post-occupancy conditions of an architectural design studio facility as a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the developed framework. Design/methodology/approach: The authors carried out a number of activities. These include reviewing the published literature to address the significance of the architectural design studio as a resource for students majoring in architectural design, and ascertaining the significance of post-occupancy evaluation as a performance appraisal methodology in educational facilities. On the development of the proposed framework, the authors carried out a case study in one of the studios of the Architecture Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The authors utilized a series of data collection methods, including photographic documentation, observations through walkthrough inspection, questionnaires and interviews. Findings: The developed framework consists of four phases. It entails identifying the performance requirements of the architectural design studio; collecting data - through conducting walkthrough inspection, questionnaire survey and interviews - to ascertain the present performance level of the architectural design studio; analyzing the data gathered from the preceding steps and subsequent reporting of findings on the degree of user satisfaction with the architectural design studio space and facilities; and developing a plan of actions in the form of recommendations to improve the conditions of the evaluated design studio. The case study served as a validation of the developed performance appraisal framework. Originality/value: The architectural design studio is known to be the place where students majoring in architectural design generate, review and display their design projects. Previous research on the performance appraisal of educational facilities indicates that the comfort of the architectural design studio space is a significant aspect to be considered and maintained for the success of the architectural education process. The paper provides a systematic approach for evaluating the major performance requirements of an architectural design studio. It is of practical value to space planners, design professionals, facility managers and administrators involved in the planning, design, operation and management of such facilities.