Assessing building performance in use 1: The Probe process

The Probe project, which started in 1995, has been a unique joint venture between the UK government (Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions), a publisher and a research team. It has undertaken post-occupancy surveys of well-regarded new commercial and public buildings, typically 2-3 years after completion. The purpose was to provide feedback on generic and specific information on factors for success in the design, construction, operation and use of buildings, together with areas of difficulty and disappointment. This paper outlines the project and describes the survey methods used, and prospects for further development. It considers the opportunities for more widespread deployment of post-occupancy surveys as routine quality assurance measures for the building industry and its clients. Papers 2 to 4 in this series discuss the findings on technical performance, energy performance and occupant satisfaction. Paper 5 draws some general conclusions and considers their implications.