A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the Outdoor Rooms on the Campus of Arizona State University

ABSTRACT This paper explores the post-construction occupancy satisfaction of the outdoor learning spaces built on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University in response to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law and provided a pandemic-related Federal grant to assist the University in securing equipment and material to augment existing spaces to comply with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines (CDC) guidelines. The scope of the intervention measures encompassed the physical spaces, cleaning, access to and from buildings, and classroom scheduling. Beyond the execution of the guidelines for the interior spaces, ASU administrators considered 16 exterior locations on the Tempe campus for outdoor learning environments. Four sites were selected for implementation with the priority criteria for location based on historic pedestrian traffic patterns and proximity to buildings of high-volume use. The site review team (SRT) that developed the criteria and made the site selections was made up of The Office of the University Architect, Facilities Management and ASU Grounds. Based on reviewing empirical data, there is a gap in knowledge regarding post-occupancy satisfaction in regard to site development interventions. The four outdoor rooms have been in use for one year. A small sample survey was taken in the spring of 2021 and an in-depth analysis was performed at the start of the spring 2022 semester to measure user reactions. On-site volunteer post-occupancy surveys were done to document overall user satisfaction, usage, locations and assess site amenities: seating, lighting, etc. The survey evaluated the design consequences of the outdoor learning environments. The data provided insights as to design solutions that can be applied to future installations at ASU and other campuses. The overarching conclusion from the analysis is that safety is a major concern from the subjects and the initial programming of the SRT was validated. In the long term, a post-occupancy evaluation can guide more effective, economical and sustainable results for the built environment.