Adaptable Architecture ─ Theory and practice

There is a growing recognition of the important role that adapting existing buildings can play in achieving a more sustainable built environment and consequently the need to design buildings to be more adaptable. However, until now there has been no concise handbook that a wide variety of stakeholders can quickly reference in order to better understand and implement adaptability in buildings.

Developing Adaptable Architecture provides thought-provoking and inquisitive insights into adaptability while remaining practical in its approach. It is a compact reference book full of essential information when questioning, imagining, or illustrating adaptability – from new designs to existing buildings. The book is conveniently formatted into two parts: a written perspective and a visual perspective which is full of summaries, diagrams, drawings, reference charts, tables, and photos of exemplar solutions for use as conversational tools or working aids.

In addition, an easily identifiable section is provided as ‘tools for industry’ which can be quickly referenced by users for answers to specific questions. Further information and resources are also available through the Adaptable Futures website www.adaptablefutures.com which includes a teaching package, promotional video, industry events, and other up-to-the-minute developments.

The book provides a number of lenses into adaptability, stretching thinking beyond normal views that are expressed in a project environment. It fosters different ways of thinking and techniques for appraising our long-term building assets. For any professional or student within the built environment considering an adaptable project, this is a book you cannot afford to be without.

Robert Schmidt III is an architect and researcher. He has researched and practiced architecture in the USA, Japan and UK and has focused on the topics of adaptability, practice culture and design contingencies. He is a co-founder of Idapu design and has consulted on a variety of design and research projects for universities and architectural practices.

Simon Austin is Professor of Structural Engineering at Loughborough University. His research interests include 3D printing, concrete systems, workplace design, project processes, design management and collaborative working.