Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection sought to explain the origin and survival of species on the planet. In short, it points out that the fittest organism survives and can reproduce itself, perpetuating useful variations for each species in a given place. Adaptation is, therefore, a characteristic that favors the survival of individuals in a context. In the construction world, we could draw some parallels. Could adaptation be an important quality to increase the useful life and efficiency of a building over time, considering the changes and demands of society, as well as technologies and lifestyles?
Adaptable buildings have the ability to accommodate an evolving set of demands related to space, function and components, without being technically unfeasible or cost-inefficient. The Adaptable Futures research group, from Loughborough University, focuses on studies on the adaptability and longevity of buildings, around the question: “Why do certain buildings last hundreds of years and others mere decades?” The researchers address adaptability in detail, looking at the complex web of dependencies that induce, prevent, and accommodate change. The work includes designing for adaptability, flexibility and adaptive reuse of our inventory of buildings and urban spaces.
