After the fire

Abstract

Abstract\\nPurpose \\xe2\\x80\\x93 This paper presents the research findings of a Post-Occupancy Evaluation of new ways of working\\nat the Faculty of Architecture of the Delft University of Technology and the lessons learned.\\nDesign/Methodology/Approach \\xe2\\x80\\x93 The article is based on an internet survey among daily users, additional\\ninterviews with decision makers and other participants involved in the implementation process, analysis of\\ndocuments and personal observations.\\nFindings \\xe2\\x80\\x93 The new office plan scores high on possibilities to meet other people. Work spaces are considered\\nto be functional. On the other hand, employees reported a lack of spaces suited for confidential (telephone)\\nconversations and insufficient visual and auditory privacy. Employees can insufficiently control the climate of\\ntheir direct work environment and the way the environment looks like. Safety of the workplaces is rated\\nbelow average. People want more rooms equipped with doors, and doors that can be locked. Finally, an\\nimportant complaint was lack of personal and collective filing and storage possibilities.\\nResearch limitations \\xe2\\x80\\x93 There was no opportunity to conduct a zero measurement ex ante; long term\\neffects on use and experience are not known yet, nor the effects of improvements that are being\\nimplemented this year.\\nPractical implications \\xe2\\x80\\x93 The results can be used to support decision makers in implementing new office\\nconcepts, in general and in particular in an academic setting, ex post or ex ante.\\nOriginality/value \\xe2\\x80\\x93 Much has been written about new ways of working, but research on this topic in\\nacademic settings is scarce.