Establishment of an end-user engaged building design framework

Abstract

Purpose

Significant gaps between end-user expectations and the actual performance of buildings have been reported. Engaging end-users in the design phase is proposed to address this issue; however, practical implementation faces numerous challenges due to limited details of methods, tools and techniques for effective user engagement. This study aims to critically analyse the challenges in end-user engagement in the design process, thereby proposing a new, enhanced framework for end-user engaged building design.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted, involving a comprehensive search across Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Google Scholar, yielding 481 articles. After eliminating duplicates and irrelevant studies, this pool was narrowed down to 31. Meta-synthesis of the existing body of knowledge and its extrapolation were performed.

Findings

Three design approaches – participatory, user-centred and co-design exist to facilitate user engagement during the design process, aiming to mitigate performance gaps. However, they encounter significant challenges, including a lack of standardised processes for identifying the right users, acquiring and reconciling end-user requirements and evaluating designs. A new framework for enhanced end-user engagement in the design phase is proposed to address these challenges.

Originality/value

The proposed framework would enhance user engagement in building design, consequently mitigating performance gaps and bolstering occupant productivity and satisfaction. Additionally, the study identifies the challenges associated with the user-engagement process and consolidating user feedback, which is often vague and ambiguous by nature. Addressing these challenges is identified as future research needs to yield better outcomes from end-user engagement.

Citation

Nazeer, F.S., Kamardeen, I. and Hasan, A. (2025), "Establishment of an end-user engaged building design framework", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 106-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-01-2024-0010