Transformation capacity

Definition

Transformation capacity is a measure that expresses the effectiveness and efficiency of altering the functional and physical characteristics of a building or its parts to meet changing needs and requirements.

At building level, transformation capacity reflects both technical and spatial aspects determining, for example, the feasibility and impact of functional building re-conversions. At assembly level, transformation capacity expresses the effectiveness and efficiency of reconfiguring to meet new performance standards.

Guidelines

Both reuse potential and transformation capacity are measures of the reversibility of a building. Transformation capacity is nevertheless put forward as sub-function of reuse potential; if an assembly can be transformed more easily, its reuse potential is higher too.

At this moment, the implementation of the concept ‘reuse potential’ is under development. Therefore, the proposed definition will be detailed during the project.

Related terms

The Transformation Capacity Tool assesses the transformation capacity of buildings and building parts, and classifies them as having a high, medium and low transformation capacity.

References

Debacker W. and Manshoven S. (2016) Synthesis of the state-of-the-art BAMB report: Key barriers and opportunities for Materials Passports and Reversible Building Design in the current system. VITO.

Durmisevic E. (2006). Transformable building structures: design for disassembly as a way to introduce sustainable engineering to building design and construction (doctoral thesis). TUDelft.

--BAMB - Buildings As Material Banks 08:02, 15 Aug 2018 (BST)

Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Recyclable construction materials.
• Reuse potential.
• Reuse of building products and materials – barriers and opportunities.
• Ripe for transformation, ready for change?
• The impact of digital on civil engineering.