Advisor: Prof. Morcos Asa¹ad
Co-advisor: Prof. Kamel Mahadin

Abstract:
This research is about user¹s participation in the process of shaping the built-environment. Considerable researches have shown that that lack of user¹s participation is the main reason of unsatisfactory built-environment, and attitudes and values of professionals are very different from those of the users.

The research aims to establish a trend for an approach to improve the quality of urban open spaces within residential districts through user¹s input. To achieve this goal, the adoption of a post-occupancy evaluation (P.O.E.) process to the Jordan university staff-housing scheme was undertaken. Focusing on the performance of the open spaces. A multi-method approach was utilized, composed mainly of questionnaire technique accompanied with site observations.

User¹s participation has many parameters, i.e. setting and scale; types, levels of participation; kinds of participation; and participation methods and techniques. These parameters were reviewed in detail in chapter II, and the choice of suitable techniques for different situations was discussed.

In chapter III, P.O.E. was focused on, possible uses and benefits were stated, evaluation of the field was presented, dimensions and levels were discussed, and its theoretical base was clarified.

the presser¹s P.O.E. process is the process adopted to present research case study, though with minor modifications. The process involves three main phases, i.e. planning the P.O.E., conducting the P.O.E., and applying the P.O.E.

Chapter IV involves the first two phases of Preiser¹s processes applied to the research case study. The rationale behind site choice was clarified; the site was described; the indicative P.O.E. level was chosen; the critical issues to be investigated were identified; and the data collection and analysis techniques were planned

In chapter v, the results of the process were reported and discussed, and general improvement guidelines were proposed depending on the results, the objective of the research were fulfilled, and the hypothesis were verified.

In chapter VI, the most important conclusions were drawn, a number of recommendations concerning the case study were offered, and future possible research directions were proposed.