Building Performance Analysis

5Performance Criteria

The previous chapter developed building performance in terms of a measurable concept on the interface between performance requirements and solutions that meet these requirements. Theory of experimentation was discussed in some detail, as were different terminology and indicators of non‐performance. However, one key element for defining building performance is still missing: that of criteria to judge the assessment, which is the subject of this chapter. As phrased by Blyth and Worthington (2010: 86), ‘whether or not a building is successful will depend on the criteria used to judge success. The ability to measure the success of a building project relates to the yardsticks introduced in the brief, against which it can be measured’. Criteria are important and might have been discussed as a first element of building performance; however they are covered here as this allows building on the earlier chapters on context, functions and requirements and the deeper exploration of building performance.

A criterion is a ‘principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided’, which typically involves the comparison of observed behaviour with a goal (‘an aim or desired result’) or target (‘an objective or result to which efforts are directed’). Criteria allow one to establish how well a system such as a building performs.

Gilb (2005: 324) uses the word ambition as a term that specifies a target performance level. Such an ambition must state to what requirement ...