Post-occupancy evaluation and optimization strategies for hybrid-use learning spaces

Against the backdrop of the paradigm shift in higher education and the rapid advancement of information technology, hybrid learning spaces have become a significant trend in the spatial renewal of universities. However, current design practices often overlook the actual user experience, leading to discrepancies between design intentions and real-world usage outcomes. This study takes the renovation of a teaching building at the School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, as a case study. By employing the Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) method, combined with on-site observations, questionnaire surveys (valid samples, n = 208), and semi-structured interviews, the study systematically analyzes space satisfaction and its influencing factors. The results reveal that while the space is generally well-regarded in terms of resource allocation and environmental quality, there are significant deficiencies in areas such as noise control, furniture comfort, spatial flexibility, and the provision of supporting functions. Although the open layout promotes collaboration, it can also lead to sensory overload and privacy concerns. In response to these issues, the study proposes a series of optimization strategies, including modular furniture, zoning for active and quiet areas, user-participatory renovation, and intelligent time-sharing management, and further constructs a continuous optimization framework for learning spaces tailored to departmental buildings. The findings provide a localized practical reference for the design and management of hybrid learning spaces in universities.