Post-occupancy evaluation: purpose, benefits and barriers

Purpose - This paper explores the historical development of POE in order to provide a contextual backdrop to current discussions. Design/methodology/approach - This paper attempts to establish what POE is and does, and explores POE methodologies. Findings - This paper concludes that the fact that this topic is extensively discussed highlights a growing frustration with the lack of progress toward POE becoming a mainstream activity in the process of building procurement. Other findings include POE's exclusion from professional curricula; who pays for POE? And issues with professional liability and its contribution to this lack of use. Practical implications - The paper presents the benefits accrued by stakeholders in the building procurement process, and the barriers to the adoption of POE that need to be addressed. Originality/value - This literature review suggests that despite the trials and tribulations, POE has progressed from a one dimensional feedback process to a multidimensional process that, as an integrated element, can help drive the building procurement process forward. The paper presents an objective overview of literary discourse around POE, its potential and limitations.