Design flexibility - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 08:50, 22 September 2020

2020-09-22T08:50:37Z

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	* Whole-life costs.		* Whole-life costs.

−	[[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Property_development]]

108.171.128.189 at 10:52, 17 February 2020

2020-02-17T10:52:42Z

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	* Responsiveness.		* Responsiveness.

−	Moveable structures can be repositioned within the environment without being changed or altered in any major way. Examples might include moveable fabric structures, re-locatable retail units, temporary accommodation such as site huts, ~~portaloos~~ and so on.	+	Moveable structures can be repositioned within the environment without being changed or altered in any major way. Examples might include moveable fabric structures, re-locatable retail units, temporary accommodation such as site huts, portable toilets and so on.

	Responsive structures are able to react to external stimuli such as weather conditions. The changes are often temporary, but may be resource-intensive. Examples include floating buildings that rise and fall with changes in water level, retractable roofs over sports facilities and so on.		Responsive structures are able to react to external stimuli such as weather conditions. The changes are often temporary, but may be resource-intensive. Examples include floating buildings that rise and fall with changes in water level, retractable roofs over sports facilities and so on.

Designing Buildings at 09:36, 20 December 2019

2019-12-20T09:36:34Z

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	It may also be necessary to order some long lead time items before they have been fully specified, and again this can result in over-sizing to allow flexibility. This might for example affect the sizing of building services, construction plant and so on.		It may also be necessary to order some long lead time items before they have been fully specified, and again this can result in over-sizing to allow flexibility. This might for example affect the sizing of building services, construction plant and so on.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

		+	* Adaptability.
	* Design for deconstruction.		* Design for deconstruction.
	* Design quality for buildings.		* Design quality for buildings.

Designing Buildings at 10:29, 13 June 2017

2017-06-13T10:29:09Z

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	Once flexibility objectives have been determined, the design team can review potential strategies and evaluate them based on their suitability for the project, bearing in mind the site constraints, programming requirements, available budget, and so on. A cost benefit analysis can help determine whether providing flexibility is actually in the long-term interests of the client or whether it is an unnecessary expense, the benefit of which is unlikely to be utilised. No designs can take accommodate every possible future requirement, so the design team must carefully evaluate those that likely to be the most beneficial and the least disruptive.		Once flexibility objectives have been determined, the design team can review potential strategies and evaluate them based on their suitability for the project, bearing in mind the site constraints, programming requirements, available budget, and so on. A cost benefit analysis can help determine whether providing flexibility is actually in the long-term interests of the client or whether it is an unnecessary expense, the benefit of which is unlikely to be utilised. No designs can take accommodate every possible future requirement, so the design team must carefully evaluate those that likely to be the most beneficial and the least disruptive.

		+	= Flexibility during design and construction =

		+	Fast track projects may involve the overlapping of activities in order to deliver a project more quickly than it would be by traditional methods. This can include overlapping design and construction, that is, construction may begin before the design is complete.
		+
		+	In this case it may be necessary to provide some flexibility in the earlier stages of the design to accommodate more possible options later. For example, foundations may be constructed before the form of the above ground building has been finalised. This may require that building foundations extend beyond the shape that will actually be required, and allow for greater structural loads than will necessarily be needed when the design is complete.
		+
		+	It may also be necessary to order some long lead time items before they have been fully specified, and again this can result in over-sizing to allow flexibility. This might for example affect the sizing of building services, construction plant and so on.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 10:22, 13 June 2017

2017-06-13T10:22:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:22, 13 June 2017
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Design flexibility ~~allows for~~ a building to evolve over time as the user needs change. The flexibility of a building or elements of its design can allow it to be used efficiently despite changes in operational requirements, whereas an inflexible building might become ~~unusable~~.	+	Design flexibility can allow a building to evolve over time as the user needs change. The flexibility of a building or elements of its design can allow it to be used efficiently despite changes in operational requirements, whereas an inflexible building might become obsolete.

−	Flexibility might include active flexibility, such as moveable partitions, but can also include the provision of features that are inherently flexible, such as multi-use spaces, open plan ~~as opposed to cellular~~ offices, large floor-to-ceiling heights and high-capacity service voids. It might also include broader characteristics such as ~~the~~ room’s ability to expand or to use a range of different energy sources, deconstructability, ~~expandability~~ and so on. ~~For~~ example, it might be relatively straight forward to make a linear building larger or smaller by adding or removing a bay, whereas a circular building may be very difficult to change without affecting the integrity of the design.	+	Flexibility might include active flexibility, such as moveable partitions, but can also include the provision of features that are inherently flexible, such as multi-use spaces, open plan offices, large floor-to-ceiling heights and high-capacity service voids. It might also include broader characteristics such as a room’s ability to expand or to use a range of different energy sources, deconstructability, and so on. This can include consideration of very fundamental design options; for example, it might be relatively straight forward to make a linear building larger or smaller by adding or removing a bay, whereas a circular building may be very difficult to change without affecting the integrity of the design.

−	However, there are many buildings with very expensive designed-in flexibility that is never ~~been~~ used, as the requirement for change never emerges, building occupants are intransigent and avoid change, or occupants may simply be unaware of the possibility to of change.	+	However, there are many buildings with very expensive designed-in flexibility that is never used, as the requirement for change never emerges, building occupants are intransigent and avoid change, or occupants may simply be unaware of the possibility to of change.

	= Types of flexibility =		= Types of flexibility =
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	== Adaptability ==		== Adaptability ==

−	This is the capacity of a building to support multiple functions without altering the architecture itself. In simple terms, the function of the building changes but the building does not. Examples include ~~moveable partitions and~~ furniture that can be re-positioned, multi-function spaces and so on. These do not result in a permanent change to the space.	+	This is the capacity of a building to support multiple functions without altering the architecture itself. In simple terms, the function of the building changes but the building does not. Examples include furniture that can be re-positioned, multi-function spaces and so on. These do not result in a permanent change to the space.

	== Transformability ==		== Transformability ==

−	This allows for the interior or exterior space to be changed in response to certain stimuli without the need for new construction. Changes can be both permanent and temporary. There are two sub-sets of transformability:	+	This allows for the interior or exterior space to be changed in response to certain stimuli without the need for new construction. Changes can be both permanent and temporary.
		+
		+	There are two sub-sets of transformability:

	* Moveability.		* Moveability.
	* Responsiveness.		* Responsiveness.

−	Moveable structures can be repositioned within the environment without being changed or altered in any major way~~. This technique may not be permanent but may entail greater costs and effort than other types of flexibility~~. Examples might include moveable fabric structures, re-locatable retail units, temporary accommodation such as site huts and so on.	+	Moveable structures can be repositioned within the environment without being changed or altered in any major way. Examples might include moveable fabric structures, re-locatable retail units, temporary accommodation such as site huts, portaloos and so on.

−	Responsive structures are able to react to external stimuli such as weather conditions. The changes are often temporary ~~and allow for a greater scope of change~~, but may be resource-intensive. Examples include floating buildings that rise and fall with changes in water level, retractable roofs ~~overs~~ sports facilities and so on.	+	Responsive structures are able to react to external stimuli such as weather conditions. The changes are often temporary, but may be resource-intensive. Examples include floating buildings that rise and fall with changes in water level, retractable roofs over sports facilities and so on.

	== Convertibility ==		== Convertibility ==

−	This involves changing the function of a building through a certain amount of construction work. By planning for convertibility during the design stage, potential future needs can be assessed and the time and cost ~~factors of construction~~ reduced. The resulting changes are often permanent. ~~Design considerations~~ might include; allowing sufficient space for additional ~~construction~~, providing foundations for future expansion, over-sizing building services to allow for future expansion, or conversely, purchasing packaged building services that it might be possible to re-sell if requirements reduce.	+	This involves changing the function of a building through a certain amount of construction work. By planning for convertibility during the design stage, potential future needs can be assessed and the time and cost required can be reduced. The resulting changes are often permanent. This might include for example; allowing sufficient space for additional buildings, providing foundations for future expansion, over-sizing building services to allow for future expansion, or conversely, purchasing packaged building services that it might be possible to re-sell if requirements reduce.

	= Designing for flexibility =		= Designing for flexibility =

−	The incorporation of any anticipated flexibility into the design of a building should take place early in the planning phase of a project. The earlier that decisions are made, the easier the implementation and the greater the potential ~~impact that will be achieved~~. As a project develops, it can become increasingly difficult to incorporate strategies for flexibility.	+	The incorporation of any anticipated flexibility into the design of a building should take place early in the planning phase of a project. The earlier that decisions are made, the easier the implementation and the greater the potential benefit. As a project develops, it can become increasingly difficult to incorporate strategies for flexibility.
		+
		+	In the planning phase, initial feasibility studies, future projections and long-term plans should be used to inform the development of flexibility strategies. If the project has end-users who are known, it is vital to consult with them as a means of identifying the forms of flexibility would be most beneficial to them.

−	In the ~~planning phase~~, ~~initial feasibility studies~~, ~~future projections~~ and long-term ~~plans should be used to inform the development~~ of ~~flexibility strategies. If~~ the ~~project has end-users who are known~~, e.~~g. a hospital and its medical staff, then it~~ can ~~be useful~~ to ~~consult with them as a means of identifying flexibility would~~ be most beneficial ~~to them in their work~~.	+	Once flexibility objectives have been determined, the design team can review potential strategies and evaluate them based on their suitability for the project, bearing in mind the site constraints, programming requirements, available budget, and so on. A cost benefit analysis can help determine whether providing flexibility is actually in the long-term interests of the client or whether it is an unnecessary expense, the benefit of which is unlikely to be utilised. No designs can take accommodate every possible future requirement, so the design team must carefully evaluate those that likely to be the most beneficial and the least disruptive.

−	Once flexibility objectives have been determined, the design team can review potential strategies and evaluate them based on their suitability for the project, bearing in mind the site constraints, programming requirements, available budget, and so on. A cost benefit analysis can help determine whether providing flexibility is actually in the long-term interests or whether is is an unnecessary expense, the benefit of which is unlikely to be utilised.

−	~~No design take into consideration every possible future requirement, so the design team must carefully evaluate those that are of most beneficial and the least disruptive.~~

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 10:14, 13 June 2017

2017-06-13T10:14:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 13 June 2017
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	= Designing for flexibility =		= Designing for flexibility =

−	The incorporation of flexibility into the design of a building should take place early in the planning phase of a project. The earlier that decisions are made, the easier the implementation and the greater the potential impact that will be achieved. As a project develops, it can become increasingly difficult to incorporate strategies for flexibility.	+	The incorporation of any anticipated flexibility into the design of a building should take place early in the planning phase of a project. The earlier that decisions are made, the easier the implementation and the greater the potential impact that will be achieved. As a project develops, it can become increasingly difficult to incorporate strategies for flexibility.

−	~~The decision~~ to ~~incorporate~~ flexibility strategies ~~into a design can originate from the client,~~ the project ~~management~~, ~~the design team, or any other stakeholder~~, as a means of ~~adding value~~ to ~~the design. There can be some resistance on the part of some stakeholders who may have been involved or invested~~ in ~~the original vision of the project, and so it is important that flexible strategies are evaluated carefully and the case made for how it can benefit the overall project~~.	+	In the planning phase, initial feasibility studies, future projections and long-term plans should be used to inform the development of flexibility strategies. If the project has end-users who are known, e.g. a hospital and its medical staff, then it can be useful to consult with them as a means of identifying flexibility would be most beneficial to them in their work.

−	~~Regardless of how~~ flexibility ~~is raised as a~~ design ~~consideration~~, ~~specific goals~~ and ~~objectives should be instilled~~ so ~~that all team members understand what~~ is ~~trying~~ to be ~~accomplished~~.	+	Once flexibility objectives have been determined, the design team can review potential strategies and evaluate them based on their suitability for the project, bearing in mind the site constraints, programming requirements, available budget, and so on. A cost benefit analysis can help determine whether providing flexibility is actually in the long-term interests or whether is is an unnecessary expense, the benefit of which is unlikely to be utilised.

−	In the planning phase, initial feasibility studies, future projections and long-term plans should be used as resources to assist with the development of flexibility strategies. If the project has end-users who are known, e.g. a hospital and its medical staff, then it can be useful to consult with them as a means of identifying areas for improvement or where flexibility would be most beneficial to them in their work.	+	No design take into consideration every possible future requirement, so the design team must carefully evaluate those that are of most beneficial and the least disruptive.
−		+
−	Once flexibility objectives have been determined, the design team can proceed in one of two ways. One way is to review a pre-determined list of strategies and evaluate them based on their suitability for the project, bearing in mind the site constraints, programming requirements, available budget, and so on.	+
−		+
−	~~The other way is to work with the requirements for stages that are established by the client, i.e. the start date and deadline.~~	+
−		+
−	No design ~~can be as flexible as to~~ take into consideration every possible ~~contingency; therefore~~ the design team ~~has to~~ carefully evaluate those that are of most ~~pressing concern for~~ the project in terms of its lifecycle options. For example, an office can be fitted with demountable rather than fixed partitions if the reconfiguration of the office layout is judged to be a potential future scenario.	+

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 10:09, 13 June 2017

2017-06-13T10:09:11Z

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	== Adaptability ==		== Adaptability ==

−	This is the capacity of ~~the built environment~~ to support multiple functions without altering the architecture itself. In simple terms, the function of the building changes but the building does not.	+	This is the capacity of a building to support multiple functions without altering the architecture itself. In simple terms, the function of the building changes but the building does not. Examples include moveable partitions and furniture that can be re-positioned, multi-function spaces and so on. These do not result in a permanent change to the space.
−		+
−	Examples ~~of the environment that can change to accommodate the user/occupant~~ include moveable partitions and furniture that can be re-positioned. These ~~and other changes~~ do not result in a permanent change to the space.	+

	== Transformability ==		== Transformability ==

−	This allows for the interior or exterior space to be changed in response to certain stimuli without construction. Changes can be both permanent and temporary. There are two sub-sets of transformability:	+	This allows for the interior or exterior space to be changed in response to certain stimuli without the need for new construction. Changes can be both permanent and temporary. There are two sub-sets of transformability:

−	* ~~Moveable~~.	+	* Moveability.
−	* ~~Responsive~~.	+	* Responsiveness.

−	Moveable structures can be repositioned within the environment without being changed or altered in any major way. This technique may not be permanent but may entail greater costs and effort than other types of flexibility.	+	Moveable structures can be repositioned within the environment without being changed or altered in any major way. This technique may not be permanent but may entail greater costs and effort than other types of flexibility. Examples might include moveable fabric structures, re-locatable retail units, temporary accommodation such as site huts and so on.

−	Responsive structures are able to react to external stimuli such as ~~extreme~~ weather conditions ~~or flooding~~. The changes are often temporary and allow for a greater scope of change, ~~despite being more labour~~-intensive.	+	Responsive structures are able to react to external stimuli such as weather conditions. The changes are often temporary and allow for a greater scope of change, but may be resource-intensive. Examples include floating buildings that rise and fall with changes in water level, retractable roofs overs sports facilities and so on.

	== Convertibility ==		== Convertibility ==

−	This involves changing the function of a building through a certain amount of construction work. By planning for convertibility during the design stage, potential future needs can be assessed and the time and cost factors of construction reduced. The resulting changes are ~~very~~ often permanent.	+	This involves changing the function of a building through a certain amount of construction work. By planning for convertibility during the design stage, potential future needs can be assessed and the time and cost factors of construction reduced. The resulting changes are often permanent. Design considerations might include; allowing sufficient space for additional construction, providing foundations for future expansion, over-sizing building services to allow for future expansion, or conversely, purchasing packaged building services that it might be possible to re-sell if requirements reduce.

	= Designing for flexibility =		= Designing for flexibility =

Designing Buildings at 10:01, 13 June 2017

2017-06-13T10:01:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:01, 13 June 2017
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Design flexibility allows for a building to evolve over time as the user needs change. The flexibility of a building or elements of its design can allow it ~~to continue~~ to be used efficiently despite changes in operational requirements, whereas an inflexible building might become unusable.	+	Design flexibility allows for a building to evolve over time as the user needs change. The flexibility of a building or elements of its design can allow it to be used efficiently despite changes in operational requirements, whereas an inflexible building might become unusable.

−	~~A key element in~~ the ~~definition~~ of ~~flexibility is uncertainty~~. ~~Both risks~~ and ~~opportunities in~~ a building ~~can be created~~ by ~~uncertainty~~, ~~and it is here that~~ design ~~flexibility becomes valuable~~.	+	Flexibility might include active flexibility, such as moveable partitions, but can also include the provision of features that are inherently flexible, such as multi-use spaces, open plan as opposed to cellular offices, large floor-to-ceiling heights and high-capacity service voids. It might also include broader characteristics such as the room’s ability to expand or to use a range of different energy sources, deconstructability, expandability and so on. For example, it might be relatively straight forward to make a linear building larger or smaller by adding or removing a bay, whereas a circular building may be very difficult to change without affecting the integrity of the design.

−	Flexibility might include active flexibility, such as moveable partitions, but can also include the provision of features that are inherently flexible, such as multi-use spaces, open plan as opposed to cellular offices, large floor-to-ceiling heights and high-capacity service voids. It might also include broader characteristics such as the room’s ability to expand or to use a range of different energy sources.	+	However, there are many buildings with very expensive designed-in flexibility that is never been used, as the requirement for change never emerges, building occupants are intransigent and avoid change, or occupants may simply be unaware of the possibility to of change.
−		+
−	However, there are many buildings ~~throughout the world~~ with very expensive designed-in flexibility that ~~has~~ never been used~~. The~~ requirement for change ~~may~~ never ~~emerge~~, building occupants ~~can be~~ intransigent and avoid change, or occupants may simply be unaware of the possibility to change ~~their building~~.	+

	= Types of flexibility =		= Types of flexibility =

−	Flexibility can be defined within three broad types, ~~each of which refers~~ to the amount of change which occurs ~~in the built environment as well as~~ the degree of permanence of that change.	+	Flexibility can be defined within three broad types, relating to the amount of change which occurs and the degree of permanence of that change.

	== Adaptability ==		== Adaptability ==

Editor at 12:21, 2 June 2017

2017-06-02T12:21:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:21, 2 June 2017
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	* Future proofing construction.		* Future proofing construction.
	* Managing and responding to disaster.		* Managing and responding to disaster.
		+	* Resilience.
	* Risk assessment.		* Risk assessment.
	* Strategic brief.		* Strategic brief.

Editor at 11:39, 28 March 2017

2017-03-28T11:39:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 28 March 2017
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

		+	* Design for deconstruction.
	* Design quality for buildings.		* Design quality for buildings.
	* Feasibility studies.		* Feasibility studies.