Achieving Adaptable Architecture: A Design Framework for Architects: A historic review

Abstract

Rigid and fixed buildings fail to provide for variability and change. Adaptability in architectural design offers a promise of quality, efficiency and variety. By focusing on human-centred design this study describes adaptable architecture relating to the mode of design development. Relating to the definition of adaptable architecture, this research has been focused on aspects of occupants’ needs. The challenge of efficiency and flexibility over time can be addressed during the early stage of the architectural design process. For adaptable architectural design, simulations and modelling tools, mostly can be employed to determine and predict changes. These changes in occupant’s need and environmental factors can hint to best possible design solutions. Currently, there is no comprehensive adaptability design paradigm that addresses today’s design multiple challenges. This concept requires that architecture design should be held to the highest degree of responsibility toward the environment. In addition to flexibility toward occupant’s changing needs. Design choices that are validated, by measuring against adaptability criteria and objective of the design framework. Thus, providing a thorough design approach to adaptable architectural design by identifying, categorizing and organizing relevant requirements. By proposing a design framework, architects can integrate aspects of adaptability to the preliminary design stage. In this framework, designers and architects will have a structured framework and they will be able to make informed decisions and choices. Designing for adaptable consideration and additional environmental parameters go beyond mere aesthetic appeal. Particularly accommodating the change in many aspects such as energy, lighting, airflow, rain, wind in addition to spatial flexibility and inclusivity. The architect must be able to integrate these requirements in the early design phase. As a suitable paradigm, the framework could offer designers a way to achieve adaptive goals. The focus would be on the adaptability through movable parts. As currently, the adaptable design approaches are incidental, the need for a comprehensive framework is vital to accommodate changes to the architectural design. Considering the possibility of buildings can be tailored individually and achieve a highly effective flexible design. This design approach is enhanced by integrating advanced technologies that could utilize individualized solutions. This research helps to understand indicators of adaptability and how they can drive the initial architectural design process. In other words, the research helps designers to understand the changing needs and how to factor their demands, configuration and responsiveness in architectural design decisions. In a nutshell, following the framework allows incorporating adaptivity criteria to reach optimal design solutions to accommodate future changes.