Reflections and Improvements on Architectural Programming: Programming and Post-Occ upancy Evaluation to Whole-Process Consultation

Abstract

The concept of Architectural Programming was proposed in the 1950s, but has only guided China's urbanization since the 1990s. The interviewee, Weimin Zhuang, studied architectural programming for his dissertation and has since published Architectural Programming Guide and Architectural Programming and Design. In recent years, he comes to emphasize that architects need to master the closed-loop process of ``programming - design - construction - operation - post-occupancy evaluation - programming.{''} In September 2017, Zhuang and his co-authors published Post-Occupancy Evaluation in China, and formed the research methodology for ``Architectural Programming and Post-Occupancy Evaluation.{''} For years, Zhuang argues for a ``holistic approach{''} in education to both students and himself, and emphasizes the importance of Chinese architects to meet international professional standards. This article explores how the development of architectural programming, post-occupancy evaluation, and holistic approach has been adopted in China, and reveals reflections and suggestions for the improvement of architectural programming. Finally, Zhuang points out that architects are supposed to build the skills in both evaluation and criticism.