Work

Adaptability in the Building Process: A Multifaceted Perspective Across the Life Cycle of a Building

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Adaptability is a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of sustainable architecture. This study explores how adaptability can be systematically embedded from the early design phase through construction, use, and eventual transformation or repurposing. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, the research categorises adaptability into distinct types of change and examines their relevance at different project stages. The findings emphasise the necessity of incorporating adaptability considerations early in the process, ensuring that buildings can respond to evolving spatial, functional, and environmental demands over time. While existing research acknowledges the importance of adaptability, gaps remain in its practical application across the full building life cycle. This study addresses these gaps by proposing a methodology to support long-term decision-making and reduce obsolescence in the built environment. By promoting life-cycle thinking, this paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of adaptability, advocating for strategies that enhance the longevity and sustainability of buildings while responding to future uncertainties.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15071119

Authors: Efthymia Ratsou Staehr, Tor Kristian Stevik, Leif Daniel Houck

Institution: Norwegian University of Life Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Building Design and Assessment

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137