Work

Building Conversion: Enhancing Sustainability Through Multifunctionality and Movable Interior Systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: As urban expansion faces increasing constraints, adaptive reuse has become a critical strategy for sustainable development. This study examines how multifunctionality and adaptability, facilitated by movable interior systems, can enhance the efficiency and longevity of building conversions while reducing material consumption and construction waste. Through a dual-questionnaire methodology, responses were gathered from over 200 end-users and 100 industry professionals across multiple countries to assess perceptions of adaptability in building reuse. The findings indicate that 89% of end-users prioritize spatial flexibility, while professionals cite financial constraints (67%) and regulatory barriers (54%) as key obstacles to implementation. This study highlights the potential of ADD-rest and similar reconfigurable interior systems to optimize underutilized spaces, aligning sustainability, urban resilience, and design innovation. By bridging theoretical concepts with empirical data, this research offers practical insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers, reinforcing the role of adaptable interior solutions in the future of sustainable urban transformation.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17073182

Authors: Sonia Vuscan, Radu Muntean

Institutions: Shandong University of Art and Design, Transylvania University of Brașov

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Building Design and Assessment

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896