Post‐occupancy evaluation: purpose, benefits and barriers

Purpose This paper explores the historical development of POE in order to provide a contextual backdrop to current discussions. Design/methodology/approach This paper attempts to establish what POE is and does, and explores POE methodologies. Findings This paper concludes that the fact that this topic is extensively discussed highlights a growing frustration with the lack of progress toward POE becoming a mainstream activity in the process of building procurement. Other findings include POE's exclusion from professional curricula; who pays for POE? And issues with professional liability and its contribution to this lack of use. Practical implications The paper presents the benefits accrued by stakeholders in the building procurement process, and the barriers to the adoption of POE that need to be addressed. Originality/value This literature review suggests that despite the trials and tribulations, POE has progressed from a one dimensional feedback process to a multidimensional process that, as an integrated element, can help drive the building procurement process forward. The paper presents an objective overview of literary discourse around POE, its potential and limitations.