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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
CIAT responds to Climate Change Committee report
An urgent wake-up call for both government and the built environment.
Construction Management, 24 June
FMB pilot aims to build pipeline of site-ready tradespeople.
A quick introduction.
CLC publishes Mental Health Joint Code of Practice.
A quick introduction to its uses and risks.
Construction Management, 17 June
Government rolls out digital planning tool to all local authorities.
Your views needed - a strategy for the professions, trades and occupations.
Confronting competency, codes, capacity and costs.
The hidden risk in modern construction supply chains.
Construction Management, 10 June
24 months to 14: CITB launches accelerated apprenticeships.
Bridging the gap between clients and contractors
Concerns remain around contractor quality, capability, and delivery.
















