Epilogue: Issues and Future Directions

Abstract

I recently joined a large State agency to implement a program of Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE). As the supplier of public buildings throughout the State, the agency spends several millions of dollars a year on design and construction services, retaining and providing work for architects, engineers, cost estimators, contractors and building trades. The agency is responsible for large and complex institutional buildings, such as mental institutions, courthouses, and jails. These buildings include many repeat elements such as institutional kitchens, secure areas, and visitors’ parking. It also builds other public buildings which are small and repetitive, such as visitor centers, police stations, and child-care facilities.