The research discussed in this paper is part of an ongoing doctoral study funded by Sheffield Hallam University. The authors would like to thank Joe Cassidy at the Department for Education and Skills for assistance in conducting the research.

PurposeDespite being a common term in the literature, there is little agreement about what the word 'adaptability' means in the context of the built environment and very little evidence regarding practitioners' understanding of adaptability. This paper therefore examines what practitioners in the building industry mean when they talk about 'adaptability'. Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative approach, involving 82 unstructured face-to-face interviews with practitioners from a range of professional disciplines in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, facilities managers, property agents and planners. The interview transcripts were coded inductively in order to identify themes in the qualitative data. FindingsThe interview data revealed a wide range of perspectives on adaptability, particularly regarding terminology, the meanings practitioners associate with adaptability and the way in which these meanings are communicated to others in the industry. The applied meaning of adaptability varied depending on context. Practical implicationsConflicting language, and different interpretations of adaptability, is a potential barrier to the development of adaptable buildings. A clearer articulation of the meaning of adaptability (particularly by clients) during briefing and design could give rise to a more appropriate level of adaptability in the built environment. Originality/valueThis study has addressed a gap in the existing literature, by foregrounding the voices of industry practitioners and exploring their (sometimes very different) interpretations of adaptability in buildings.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of two different academic office environments in supporting collaboration and privacy. Design/methodology/approach -The approach takes the form of case studies involving post-occupancy questionnaire surveys of academic occupants. Findings -The combi-office design was found to be associated with higher levels of occupant satisfaction than the open-plan office design, with respect to support for collaboration and privacy.Research limitations/implications -The findings highlight the importance of understanding user requirements and the role of office space as a cognitive resource. Practical implications -Designers should consider the default location of occupants when designing academic and other creative workspaces. Social implications -Academic creativity and innovation are seen to be important for society. However, there needs to be a better understanding of how to support this through workspace design. Originality/value -This study contributes to the small but growing body of research on academic office design and creative workspaces in general.

Purpose of this paperThe aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which practicing NHS facilities managers thought that the contribution of FM could be measured in terms of health outcomes. Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was distributed to NHS facilities or estate managers from the majority of NHS trusts in England and Wales. FindingsIn general, there is little or no evidence from pre-existing research to prove the contribution of FM in terms of health outcomes. However in spite of this 59% of facilities managers in the NHS believe that the contribution of FM could be measured yet only a relatively small number of Trusts (16%) have attempted to measure the contribution of FM. The analysis of the secondary data does not show any conclusive evidence of a correlation between FM and health outcomes. Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of the study did not extend to collecting empirical evidence to prove the contribution of FM to health outcomes -it was only focusing on whether facilities managers thought it was possible, and if so how they would measure the contribution. However, as part of the project some secondary data were tested for a relationship between FM services and health outcomes.

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Purpose -To present practical examples of a new approach to facilities benchmarking that uses data envelopment analysis to compare multiple output per m 2 ratios. Design/methodology/approach -Demonstrates the first known use in facilities management of a new analytical technique. Findings -A practical comparison of office buildings demonstrates that a combination of high user satisfaction and better than average accommodation efficiency can be obtained. Suggests a threshold density above which user satisfaction will decrease.Research limitations/implications -The full potential for this new approach remains an active research project. Practical implications -The new approach has already been applied in practice. Originality/value -Original research using a technique that is new to facilities management and a challenge to prevailing conventions for facilities benchmarking metrics.

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Purpose -This paper has three principal aims: to briefly consider the term "depreciation" in the context of property values; to critically review the term "obsolescence" and two of its distinct forms; and to highlight the practical difficulties in pricing obsolescence using inflexible methodologies in a market place that is subject to evolving criteria. Design/methodology/approach -The paper critically reviews existing literature and advice from international professional bodies. Findings -The general conclusions are that despite the need to be more explicit in valuations, current methods are unable to address such detail. The guidance and advice offered by professional bodies need to be thoroughly revised. It is hoped that the progress being made in methodology will be incorporated in directed guidance to practitioners. Originality/value -The paper offers an applied examination of an issue that has an impact on many aspects of contemporary real estate consultancy services.