Occupant requirements in residential buildings: an empirical study and a theoretical model

Abstract

Occupant needs with regard to residential buildings are not well known due to a lack of representative scientific studies. To improve the lack of data, a large-scale study was carried out using a Post Occupancy Evaluation of 1416 building occupants. Several criteria describing the needs of occupants were evaluated with regard to their subjective level of relevance. Additionally, we investigated the degree to which deficiencies subjectively exist, and the degree to which occupants were able to accept them. From the data obtained, a hierarchy of criteria was created. It was found that building occupants ranked the physiological needs of air quality and thermal comfort the highest. Health hazards such as mould and contaminated building materials were unacceptable for occupants, while other deficiencies were more likely to be tolerated. Occupant satisfaction was also investigated. We found that most occupants can be classified as satisfied, although some differences do exist between different populations. To explain the relationship between the constructs of what we call relevance, acceptance, deficiency and satisfaction, we then created an explanatory model. Using correlation and regression analysis, the validity of the model was then confirmed by applying the collected data. The results of the study are both relevant in shaping further research and in providing guidance on how to maximize tenant satisfaction in real estate management.

Iranian household values and perception with respect to housing attributes

“…Morris and Winter (1975) claim that housing needs are seldom explicitly defined. Voelker et al (2013) conclude that few studies have been conducted that explore the needs as well as requirements of occupants as well as the way that those needs are weighted. Seneviratne, Amaratunga, and Haigh (2011) conclude that based on reviewing the literature, very little data was found on the definition of housing needs.…”

“…Pemsel, Wid en, and Hansson (2010) conclude that the foundation of housing design quality depends on a thorough understanding of occupants' needs. In spite of the significance of occupant needs and concern as the factors which set the stage to achieve user values, identifying and realizing those needs has not always been successful (Sherif, El-nachar, & Shehayeb, 2007;Voelker, Beckmann, Koehlmann, & Kornadt, 2013). Weidemann et al (1982) attribute failures of many public housing projects in meeting house buyers' needs to lack of knowledge about the physical aspects of housing quality.…”

Percepção de valor na habitação: uma revisão sistemática de literatura

“…Alguns estudos têm buscado disseminar esse conceito ao promover análises de valor voltadas à habitação, como Miron (2008), Granja et al (2009) e Bonatto, Miron e Formoso (2011). Voelker et al (2013) apontam que pelo fato de as pessoas passarem tanto tempo dentro das edificações é importante entender suas necessidades e requisitos quanto à moradia.…”

User values related to mass housing in Bushehr, Iran

“…Voelker et al. 10 claim that there is a lack of agreement about the needs and requirements of housing occupants as well as their importance. Seneviratne et al.…”