Adaptability
The SuDS Manual (C753) published by CIRIA in 2015, defines adaptability as: (The degree to which a system can be adapted to better suit changing circumstances or conditions (see flexibility).’
Where flexibility is: ‘The ability to cope with a range of conditions or requirements.’
Urban Design Guidelines for Victoria, published by the State of Victoria (Australia) in 2016, defines adaptability (or 'adaptive re-use') as: ‘The capacity of a building or space to respond to changing social, technological, economic and market conditions and accommodate new or changed uses.’
In January 2020 the standard ISO 20887:2020 Design for disassembly and adaptability — Principles, requirements and guidance was published where the term adaptability is defined as the: ‘ability to be changed or modified to make suitable for a particular purpose.’
See also: Adapt and Repurposing of buildings
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.