Gijsbers, R and Lichtenberg, J (2014) Demand driven selection of adaptable building technologies for flexibility-in-use. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 3(3), pp. 237-260. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – Most buildings are hardly ever technically equipped to adapt to ever changing user demands. Adaptability of building components is known as an essential technical aid to facilitate flexible use. However, for designers and developers it is very difficult to foresee how design decisions related to flexible use effect the efficiency of the technical system, especially when adaptations have to be realized in the future. Due to the large number of variables and interrelations, a structured approach is indispensable to translate (future) user demands into technical solutions for flexible use. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present a novel method that can assist designers to systematically find suitable measures for flexible use. This method, named comparative selection method for adaptability measures (CSA method), is developed specifically to impartially select and compare adaptability measures. Design/methodology/approach – The CSA method is principally based on a performance approach, where technical solutions are compared and matched to performance requirements. To accomplish that, specific tools and theories were transferred from industrial product development. The CSA method displays the benefits of lifespan-oriented design, since a distinction is made between initial, once occurring effects and the effects that come with each expected adaptation. Findings – In contemporary building practice the initial phase is critical for decision making. By a number of case studies, the application of the CSA method reveals that tailor-made solutions with a high degree of adaptability are in fact the most efficient for the long term. Hereby the view is confirmed that a lifespan-oriented approach in design decisions is essential for a sustainable and future-proof building stock. Originality/value – The CSA method is a newly developed and unique support tool that assists in optimizing flexible building design through the search for best fit adaptability solutions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building technology; csa method; design support tool; flexible building; lifespan-oriented design; user-oriented design |
| Index terms: | lifespan, building technology, building stock, selection method, decision-making, methodology, adaptability, product development, building component, design decision, building practice, efficiency, case study, lifespan-oriented design, adaptation, designer, design support tool, adaptable building, flexible building |
| Subjects: | user focus, profession, data collection methods, innovation studies, engineering systems, sustainability and energy, material degradation and durability, performance management, tendering, research methods, building design, design practice, architectural elements, asset management, decision analysis, building construction |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Construction Technology, Design Practice, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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