What Post-Occupancy Studies Teach Us About Daylight, Comfort, & Design

Post-occupancy evaluation is essential for understanding how design decisions shape the real experience of buildings and for applying lessons to future projects.

This session will focus on daylight, presenting findings from a study of over 30 classrooms, offices, and shared spaces across six South Central Texas buildings conducted by Lake Flato Architects and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Results compare daylight simulations with measured data and occupant surveys, providing clear takeaways for future design.

You'll also learn about methods for studying your own projects as well as thermal comfort, acoustics, air quality, and other POE topics.

Learning Objectives

  1. Discuss which daylight strategies best influence comfort, views, and well-being through post-occupancy findings.
  2. Compare daylight simulations with measured performance and occupant survey results.
  3. Learn how to apply practical methods for conducting post-occupancy evaluations on your own projects.
  4. Review other post-occupancy evaluation options—e.g., thermal comfort, acoustics, and air quality—that can inform design strategies.