Structures and change – Tracing adaptability based on structural porosity in converted buildings

Abstract

Among the approaches of circular construction, the reuse of buildings can be considered the most desirable as it leaves a large portion of embodied carbon untouched. At the same time, it also minimises the energy effort of modifying, transporting or reprocessing the components. However, its underlying mechanisms and boundaries are largely understudied as convertibility and adaptability are currently at most rudimentary integrated neither into legal frameworks nor the architectural or technical design process in practice. In this paper, a new methodology is presented based on the models of Brand (1995) and Leupen (2006) to describe the adaptability of buildings as a function of their structure. The model also includes the circulation system and the specific areas of use. In the discussion of structurally determined usability, several concepts are introduced, such as structural porosity, pockets of use, diversity of pockets of use and diversity of circulation. The method is applied to three case studies that offer different adaptabilities due to their structural configurations. As the permeability or structural porosity of slabs significantly contributes to the usability throughout the structure’s lifetime, ribbed slabs seem to increase adaptability. Together with the spatial structural porosity of the grid, it proves to be a helpful criterion for good appropriability and convertibility. The method proved beneficial in understanding the dependence of the change of use on a given structural configuration. It helps to name the essential aspects, objectify them and make substantially different buildings comparable.

Adaptability in Multi-Storey Timber Buildings - Towards Differentiated Durability Layers in Architecture

“…This diagrammatic approach is based on Leupen's visual studies and Rinke and Pacquée's concept of structural porosity. [15] The method proposed here illustrates the sustainability potential of EWP and their contributions to adaptability discussed from the literature and relates them to the permanence layers of adaptability in architecture. This newness also provides an opportunity for establishing the regulations and expertise with a circular viewpoint from the start.…”

“…While the structure could be designed to last one hundred years, the services and scenery will most likely be adapted in about 15 years. [42] As argued by Rinke and Pacquée in [15], access routes in buildings are less likely to be adapted because of their essentiality. A differentiated look at the structure has to be adopted.…”

Taxonomy supporting design strategies for reuse of building parts in timber-based construction

“…a modular or panelized system where transparent and opaque units can be interchanged) (Russel and Moffatt, 2001). Structure layer : add sufficient height to the lower floor to enable a range of other uses (Russel and Moffatt, 2001); design the structure so that it is strong enough to cater for different building uses and loading scenarios (Graham, 2005); dimension structural frames to assist in the adaptation of the space plan to various types of building use and establish a structural grid that permits modular skin and space plan design (Graham, 2005; Rinke and Pacquée, 2022); and introduce repetition and combination of the same module in various rotations to create the structure of interior and exterior volumes, façades and the roof (Jockwer et al , 2020). Space plan layer : go beyond minimum spatial areas and floor heights (Eguchi et al , 2011; Russel and Moffatt, 2001); provide high adaptability due to removable interior walls (Jockwer et al , 2020); design multifunctional spaces; install interior partitions that are demountable, reusable and recyclable; and use adaptable floor plans, including large grids, that can be subdivided (Russel and Moffatt, 2001).…”

“…Structure layer : add sufficient height to the lower floor to enable a range of other uses (Russel and Moffatt, 2001); design the structure so that it is strong enough to cater for different building uses and loading scenarios (Graham, 2005); dimension structural frames to assist in the adaptation of the space plan to various types of building use and establish a structural grid that permits modular skin and space plan design (Graham, 2005; Rinke and Pacquée, 2022); and introduce repetition and combination of the same module in various rotations to create the structure of interior and exterior volumes, façades and the roof (Jockwer et al , 2020).…”