Architects are adept at solving complex built environment problems in creative, inclusive and innovative ways and are therefore well placed to assist with addressing some of the major societal challenges faced by the world today, not least the Climate Change Emergency, and the aftermath of COVID 19. However, they don’t generally think of themselves as researchers and are often excluded from debates about research, research funding and innovation. (Samuel, 2018). Additionally, architects have a communication challenge and need to explain the worth of their work in terms that make sense to decision makers—in particular those who finance it, but also to the general public. Therefore, the focus lies on finding evidence and facts of value created by architectural design and planning that would supplement the compelling visuals and story-telling that architects are good at already. Value is created jointly, requiring many considerations and involving many types of expertise. Solutions must be found that create value at many levels, both for those who use the buildings and the built environment daily, and for society as a whole.

The aim of this report is to support the development of research in architectural practice across Europe. Meaning finding suitable tools to document and evaluate the different types of value creation. This will enable architects to demonstrate the value of what they do, diversify their services and become more resilient, whatever the size of practice or the sector that they work in.

The report is in four parts.

• Part One – this introductory section – provides the background and methodology for the report.
• Part Two is a contextual review of research in practice, which draws on interviews with experts from across Europe, combined with an academic and grey (industry) literature search. Part Three focuses on the impact of feedback on the design process and the project itself through Post Occupancy Evaluation, and how it can be used to demonstrate the value of design.
• Part Three also features a series of eight inspiring case studies from across Europe that highlight the important role that feedback can play in developing practice-based knowledge, and evidencing and communicating the value of architectural services. The case studies also show that Post Occupancy Evaluation can be just as much about intangible social or cultural impacts as it is about the technical or environmental aspects of building design; it doesn’t have to be complex or expensive, and can be undertaken within practices large and small. Further, Post Occupancy Evaluation is a really important foundation for ‘Pre Occupancy’ design based on a knowledge of what works.
• Part Four – contains the executive summary recommendations addressed to architects, policy-makers, clients, universities and academia.

Authors: ACE

Disclaimer: The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsment of the contents, which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein