The global climate, housing policies, real estate economics, and construction technologies have all experienced significant transformations in recent years. Besides these changes, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a major reevaluation and restructuring of healthcare systems and communication infrastructures. Likewise, architectural structures must adjust to these evolving social, technical, and environmental conditions, identifying further solutions for the sustainability of past architectures, taking into account the passage of time and the changing needs of users. A revised definition of sustainability now suggests: “A sustainable building is not designed to last forever but one that can easily adapt to changes.” Therefore, architecture, as a valuable cultural, social, and economic asset, must be adaptable to meet the evolving needs of users throughout different life cycles to ensure greater sustainability in the post-occupancy phase. Studies show that adaptable architecture, combined with flexible behaviors, tends to be more durable and cost-effective in the long term. Furthermore, by optimizing time and space, adaptable architecture could be a permanent solution to the complex housing challenges developing countries face.
In light of the rapid changes in life cycles in the modern era and the evolving needs of people, adaptability and flexibility in architecture, particularly in residential architecture, are of growing importance. Adaptability offers the most practical solution by allowing users to modify and reconfigure their living spaces with minimal cost and effort. This concept aligns with the broader vision of sustainable development. Among architectural forms, the house, as the most basic residential unit developed over centuries, serves as the ideal model for reflecting the changes brought about by technological advancements, trends, and shifts in lifestyle. The house also exemplifies the differences in living that have occurred over decades and centuries.
The core principle behind adaptability is flexibility, and the key to architectural flexibility lies in human adaptability to the environment, also known as resilience. Resilience refers to the ability of humans to adjust to various conditions and environments and, more specifically, to align themselves with spatial configurations. Adaptability has been a critical feature of traditional Iranian houses, contributing significantly to their lifecycle and long-term durability.
This article seeks to deepen the understanding of the concepts of adaptability and flexibility through a comprehensive review and examination of relevant theoretical foundations. It also aims to evaluate these concepts more precisely by presenting a model that explores the interrelation between adaptability and flexibility, grounded in the theory of building shear layers. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to propose a conceptual model for the adaptability cycle, grounded in an analysis of theoretical concepts like adaptability, flexibility, and shear layer theory. The proposed model is designed to provide a more accurate assessment of building adaptability, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the knowledge and awareness of architects, engineers, clients, and residents regarding creating adaptable architectural spaces. The findings of this study will also prove beneficial in informing decisions about the renovation of existing buildings and will shed light on lesser-known aspects of building adaptability, creating more opportunities for future research in this field.
The key research questions addressed in this study are: “What is the advanced concept of adaptability and flexibility in architecture?” “How are adaptability, resilience, and flexibility interrelated within the various layers of a building?” and “What changes in buildings contribute to shaping adaptability?”
This research is a review study and employs a qualitative methodology. It is classified as applied research in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical by nature. Initially, data was collected from library sources, including highly cited articles, books, documents, and materials about adaptability, flexibility, and the theory of building shear layers. This data was then analyzed through a descriptive-analytical approach. Ultimately, the results are presented in a categorized form, supported by tables and diagrams for greater precision. It is important to note that this research also reflects the methodology of grounded theory-based studies.
The research findings reveal that understanding the nature, interrelationships, and multi-dimensional consequences of changes in buildings is the key to enhancing building adaptability. Furthermore, the concept of adaptability extends far beyond the mere presence of multipurpose rooms or movable walls. Rather, it is a more comprehensive notion that involves a detailed examination of the various layers of a building and its surroundings, aimed at identifying adaptable features. The aim is to enhance the building’s long-term sustainability, minimize economic and environmental impacts, and elevate the quality of life for its occupants. Additionally, the continuity of the adaptability cycle across different layers of a building depends not only on ongoing physical transformations but also on the capacity of users to adapt to these changes continuously. This paper concludes with the proposal of a model for evaluating the adaptability and transformation cycle in buildings, with specific reference to the theory of building shear layers.