Post-occupancy evaluation of pilgrims' accommodation: a case study of Mina in Makkah city

Every year, the city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia receives similar to 3 million pilgrims. In the course of a 10-day visit, pilgrims typically spend about 4 days in Mina, which is a district in Makkah city. Accommodation units in Mina are light single-floor structures, partitioned with fiberglass fabric. As a result of this huge demand for accommodation, the net area per pilgrim has been reduced to 1.2 m(2). To increase pilgrims' housing facilities in Mina, the Saudi government has launched a new initiative entailing the construction of apartment buildings comprising 13 floors in mountainous areas. The primary aim of this study was to appraise the quality and performance characteristics of this evolving residential environment through assessments of the satisfaction levels of their residents. This post-occupancy evaluation focused on users' satisfaction relating to design, function, services, and the environment. To achieve the study's objectives, activities were monitored and waiting times for building services were recorded. Performance indicators were selected in relation to design, capacity, functions, and environment. This is significant in maximizing the residents' satisfaction of any future expansions' design proposals.