Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Adaptively Reused Historical Ecological Buildings in Egypt: The Case of Wekalet Al-Ghoury

Abstract

Ecological historical buildings were originally designed to maintain acceptable Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) for their users and their intended activity. The adaptive reuse of these buildings is considered a great potential opportunity. As a result, these structures and their passive applied strategies might be no longer as effective as they once were. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the user satisfaction with IEQ in an adaptively reused historical ecological building; Wekalet Al-Ghoury. This post-occupancy evaluation was conducted using a mixed method approach that involved the use of a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Quantitative results of the questionnaire were statistically evaluated using SPSS software and interviews were thematically analyzed. The questionnaire was first use to capture responses’ diversity among staff and tenants, the semi-structured interview has then helped to discuss and justify quantitative findings. Occupants were generally satisfied with thermal and acoustic conditions and dissatisfied the most with the low level of IEQ control, poor indoor air quality and inconsistent light distribution. On the other hand, the interview has reflected responsive occupant behaviour to perform their work where occupants are free to change their place, change their working hours and introduce some movable lighting and ventilation equipment.