Adaptive capability: lengthen the lifespan of buildings already in the design phase
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Architecture and planning beyond sustainability, MSc
Publicerad
2021
Författare
Geber, Rebecka
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
A large part of the built environment ends up having a much shorter life span than the
buildings have potential for due to changed requirements regarding function, appearance
or qualities. To demolish and replace with new, instead of using the existing structures,
results in unnecessary use of energy, materials and a negative impact on the environment.
For a long-term sustainability within architecture, it is essential to consider the
whole life cycle of buildings already when they are designed. The aim of this thesis
is to investigate the possibility to design buildings prepared to easily be changed and
transformed in the future to meet new circumstances with simple methods and as little
environmental impact as possible.
Adaptable design based on analysis of the chosen context, the area Rosendal in
Uppsala, and the demands of the inhabitants, is explored. Design strategies developed
from theory, case studies and analysis of the local context work as a theoretical
framework that underlays the design concept. By mainly using a research by design
approach, a design proposal of a building is developed through iterations.
In consideration of the future perspective, scenario planning is applied and a storyline
for a possible development of the area Rosendal is created. The impact of changed
requirements causes the designed building to be expanded and transformed to host
exchanged functions, which can be done due to preparations implemented in the initial
design. The proposal consists of three steps of the building design.
The thesis challenges the way of viewing buildings as out of date and promotes the
approach of treating them as units, not only of materials, but also of time. Through
the design proposal, the thesis demonstrates the implementation of context-based
adaptability in the initial architectural design, as a sustainable approach to
lengthen the lifespan of buildings.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Adaptability, Extensibility, transformability, longevity, resilience