Using post-occupancy evaluation as a methodological approach to assess residential hostels in CFTI
Authors: Kumar Meenal , Khan Smita 
Published: May 2022

PurposeEnvironmental behavior research has shown that environmental characteristics may have a big impact on people's behavior. This paper is part of a doctoral dissertation on evaluating the building performance of residential hostels in Centrally Funded Technical Institutes (CFTI) in India, an appropriate methodology was developed using the relevant attributes of environmental behavioral research to conduct post-occupancy evaluation (POE) for a pilot survey that identified unique ground conditions. The approach aids in comprehending the state of residential surroundings from the perspective of students, and the conclusion will allow the ongoing research to inquire about and suggest parameters for a student-friendly and inclusive residential hostel design in India, through its primary user, the students. The study aims to employs POE as a significant research method.Design/methodology/approachThe methodological approach includes literature review (building performance evaluation/EBS); ground scenario in India; ground investigations outcome of ground scenario and investigations to frame further research processes; and discussions and conclusions.FindingsDevelopment of a methodology for studying residential environments in the CFTI in identifying variables in the Indian context and developing requisite tools for POE. The methodology also aids in communication between stakeholders and creates mechanisms for quality monitoring, providing knowledge when buildings fail to meet design intent and providing data and knowledge for future designs and key decisions. It will assist in the development of design and planning guidelines with respect to residential hostels in the Indian scenario.Research limitations/implicationsResearch work is carried out only in CFTI in India where Architecture is one of the branches.Practical implicationsDevelopment of a methodology for studying residential environments in the CFTI in identifying variables in the Indian context and developing requisite tools for POE. The methodology also aids in communication between stakeholders and creates mechanisms for quality monitoring, providing knowledge when buildings fail to meet design intent and providing data and knowledge for future designs and key decisions. It will assist in the development of design and planning guidelines with respect to residential hostels in the Indian scenario.Social implicationsThis study identifies the specific difficulties and determined the research direction in this situation. It emphasized the need of paying attention to students' perceptions and contentment in residential hostels as a neglected component of Indian residential hostels that needs to be addressed. It aided in the creation of a bespoke research technique. The evaluation process of the main users of residential hostels on campuses is largely impacted by their cultural background and level of environmental awareness of their built environment. The survey also revealed the level of environmental awareness among hostel students in particular and Indian society in general. Finally, this study underlines the importance of rethinking the design and development of residential environments on campuses, particularly from the perspective of student welcoming.Originality/valueThe paper is a part of ongoing research in VNIT, Nagpur, India.