POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING: THE CASE OF CONDOMINIUM BUILDINGS IN ARBA MINCH TOWN

Abstract

Post occupancy evaluation is one of the most important diagnostic tool and method of obtaining performance data on occupants’ satisfaction. This study aimed at assessing occupants’ residential satisfaction and the relative building performance in five purposively selected condominium sites in Arba Minch town. The study was based on the idea that users’ satisfaction with dwelling units is a measure of the residential buildings performance in meeting occupants’ needs and expectations. A survey of 250 household in five condominium sites was conducted in the study area. Data collection method used were structured questionnaire, site and building observation, design document review and interview with occupants. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software to generate descriptive data. The output result has shown that occupants’ satisfaction levels is relatively higher (MSS= 3.42) with dwelling unit; suggesting that the extent to which the building are performing in meeting their needs and expectations is satisfactory. While, it is lower with dwelling unit support services (MSS=2.81), social and psychological aspects (MSS=2.56) and public facilities and infrastructure (MSS=2.17). An overall Mean Satisfaction Score (MSS) of 2.74 was found; indicating that the respondents were generally not satisfied with different components of their residential environments. The study revealed that defective works, less attention given by governing body at post-occupancy stage and weak social network were the main sources of problems that resulted in lower occupants’ satisfaction. Hence, Strong commitment by the governing body to improve housing designs and regulate standards; together with strengthened social network may create more safe and satisfactory public housing environment.