Short answer

When undertaking adaptive reuse projects, focus on designing for disassembly and reconfiguration, as these aspects are more readily implemented and offer significant benefits for resource efficiency and future adaptability.

Field: Sustainability
Source: Journal of Engineering Design and Technology (2023)
Method: Multiple case study analysis
Evidence: Moderate effect

Adaptive reuse projects can significantly enhance resource efficiency and longevity by focusing on design strategies that allow for easy reconfiguration and disassembly of building components. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Journal of Engineering Design and Technology. Using Multiple case study analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When undertaking adaptive reuse projects, focus on designing for disassembly and reconfiguration, as these aspects are more readily implemented and offer significant benefits for resource efficiency and future adaptability.

Study

SustainabilityRecentModerate effect

Prioritize Configuration Flexibility and Product Dismantlability for Circular Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse projects can significantly enhance resource efficiency and longevity by focusing on design strategies that allow for easy reconfiguration and disassembly of building components.

Journal of Engineering Design and Technology · 2023

Key Findings

01Configuration flexibility, product dismantlability, and material reversibility were commonly applied CBA strategies.
02Functional convertibility and building maintainability were less frequently applied.
03Low cost of material reuse, team collaboration, and organizational motivation were significant enablers.
04Lack of information, technical complexities, limited circularity expertise, and infeasibility of innovative solutions were common obstacles.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing for adaptive reuse, explicitly document and plan for how building components can be reconfigured or removed with minimal waste and effort. Consider modular construction and standardized interfaces to support these goals.

Project actions

01When planning an adaptive reuse project, consider how easily components can be removed or reconfigured.
02Research materials and construction methods that allow for easy disassembly and reuse.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the extent to which circular building adaptability strategies are applied in adaptive reuse projects, identifying key enablers and obstacles.

MethodMultiple case study analysis

ProcedureThe research involved a stepwise, theory-practice-oriented approach, examining five circular adaptive reuse projects in the Netherlands through archival research and in-depth interviews, followed by a cross-case analysis to identify common patterns.

ContextAdaptive reuse of buildings in the Netherlands

Variables

IV["Application of CBA strategies (configuration flexibility, product dismantlability, material reversibility, functional convertibility, building maintainability)","Enablers (e.g., cost of material reuse, collaboration, motivation)","Obstacles (e.g., lack of information, technical complexities, expertise)"]

DVExtent of CBA strategy application in adaptive reuse projects

CV["Location (The Netherlands)","Project type (adaptive reuse)"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Empirical evidence from real-life projects.
+Identification of practical enablers and obstacles.

Limitations

The specific context of Dutch building regulations and practices might not directly translate to all design projects.

Reliability & validity

The use of multiple case studies and a combination of archival research and interviews enhances the reliability and validity of the findings by providing triangulation of data. However, the subjective nature of interviews and potential biases in archival data are limitations.

Think critically

How can the identified obstacles to functional convertibility and building maintainability be overcome through innovative design or policy interventions?

Design Principles

"Design for adaptability and disassembly to maximize resource efficiency and extend product lifespan in adaptive reuse projects."

Integrating circular building adaptability (CBA) into adaptive reuse is crucial for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. By understanding which CBA strategies are most effectively implemented and the common barriers encountered, designers and engineers can make more informed decisions to maximize resource efficiency and extend the usable life of the built environment.

What This Means for Your Design

When you reuse an old building for a new purpose, think about how easy it is to take things apart later and how you can change the layout without a lot of trouble. This helps save resources and makes the building last longer.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing strategies for sustainable design in adaptive reuse, particularly concerning material efficiency and future flexibility.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the importance of prioritizing configuration flexibility and product dismantlability in adaptive reuse projects to enhance resource efficiency and support a circular economy. While functional convertibility and maintainability present greater challenges, focusing on easily reconfigurable and disassemblable elements, supported by collaborative teams and organizational motivation, can lead to more sustainable outcomes.

Source

Journal of Engineering Design and Technology

Circular building adaptability in adaptive reuse: multiple case studies in the Netherlands

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about prioritize configuration flexibility and product dismantlability for circular adaptive reuse?: When undertaking adaptive reuse projects, focus on designing for disassembly and reconfiguration, as these aspects are more readily implemented and offer significant benefits for resource efficiency and future adaptability. Evidence: Journal of Engineering Design and Technology (2023).
Why does "Prioritize Configuration Flexibility and Product Dismantlability for Circular Adaptive Reuse" matter for design?: Integrating circular building adaptability (CBA) into adaptive reuse is crucial for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. By understanding which CBA strategies are most effectively implemented and the common barriers encountered, designers and engineers can make more informed decisions to maximize resource efficiency and extend the usable life of the built environment.
How can designers apply this research?: When undertaking adaptive reuse projects, focus on designing for disassembly and reconfiguration, as these aspects are more readily implemented and offer significant benefits for resource efficiency and future adaptability.
What were the main findings?: Configuration flexibility, product dismantlability, and material reversibility were commonly applied CBA strategies.. Functional convertibility and building maintainability were less frequently applied.. Low cost of material reuse, team collaboration, and organizational motivation were significant enablers.. Lack of information, technical complexities, limited circularity expertise, and infeasibility of innovative solutions were common obstacles.
What research method was used?: Multiple case study analysis.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Journal of Engineering Design and Technology.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing for adaptive reuse, explicitly document and plan for how building components can be reconfigured or removed with minimal waste and effort. Consider modular construction and standardized interfaces to support these goals.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on projects in the Netherlands, and findings may vary in different regulatory and market contexts. The research did not quantify the degree of success for each strategy.