Architecture in use: An introduction to the programming design and evaluation of buildings

Good architecture has both a high experience and a high utility value. The book Architecture in Use. An introduction to the programming, design and evaluation of buildings shows how the term ‘quality of use’ or usability’ ‘can be given physical form in the design of buildings. It describes the functions of a building and relates the functional quality to the architectural quality.

The authors clear that architecture is far more than just the language of shapes, colours, materials, beauty and emotion, or originality and meaning. Architectural design is a search for a careful synthesis of function, form and technology, and constraints like time, money and regulations.

The book starts with how the relationship between form and function has been dealt with by different approaches to architecture from a historical perspective, it goes on to discuss how the desired functional quality and utility value of a building can be expressed in a brief and designed by the architect. Finally, it advises on how to carry out post-occupancy evaluation and provides designers with methods and techniques for testing whether the intended utility value of a building has been achieved. The final chapter discusses a number of utility qualities, including accessibility, functionality, privacy and contact, flexibility and sustainability. For each term, the authors explain its meaning, how it can be applied in architecture and what literature is relevant to the topic.

The book provides a link between theoretical knowledge and practice and is richly illustrated with clear examples. This makes the book appropriate for education purposes and also to support advisors, designers and building managers.