On the performance evaluation of sustainable student housing facilities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a post-occupancy evaluation of the major technical and functional elements of performance on a type of student housing facilities at the campus of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses published literature to review knowledge areas pertaining to technical and functional performance requirement elements in student housing facilities. Past maintenance work orders for the building were evaluated and analysed for the purpose of identifying frequent and major areas of complaints and discomfort to the occupants. A user satisfaction survey was developed to obtain the students' indicative feedback on their experience with the 48 identified performance elements. Findings – The findings of the survey were analysed and reported to describe the degree of satisfaction with the identified performance elements. The paper examined the extent to which various success factors in the student housing facility had been realised. Originality/value – A post-occupancy evaluation can provide valuable feedback to planners, design professionals, housing administrators and facility managers involved in the planning, design and operation of student housing facilities. Post-occupancy evaluation can assist in continually improving the quality and performance of the student housing facilities they design, construct, operate and maintain.