What is Adaptability?

The capacity for a building to accommodate effectively the evolving demands of its context, thus maximising its value through life.
"The ability to respond to change" (Gosling et al, 2013:46) or one that "has been designed with thought of how it might be easily altered to prolong its life" (Addis and Shouten, 2004:8)
The excess of definitions on adaptability has created confusion.
"Most buildings are designed to satisfy the needs of existing forms of use, they are rarely designed to meet future requirements (Gann & Barlow, 1996:65)

Advantages of Adaptability

Types of Adaptability

Types of Adaptable Change

How to Design for Adaptability

Barriers to Adaptability

Case Study - Supermarket to Low Energy Office

Disused supermarket building into sustainable council offices for Hampshire County.
Bennetts Associates architects and MACE project managers.
£4 million refurbishment.
Incorporates wind towers and roof lights to allow natural ventilation.
These features and retention of the building's existing structure minimise it's environmental impact.
Aims to achieve an B EPC Rating.
Exemplifies how a neglected building can be adapted into a cost-effective and imaginative space.

	Created by d.moran-10 over 12 years ago

Undergraduate Advanced Construction Note on Designing for Adaptability , created by d.moran-10 on 23/05/2014.

Designing for Adaptability