Comparison of adaptability measures in building design - CSA Method: Functionally effective and technically efficient design founded on (future) user demands

Most buildings are hardly technically equipped to fulfil the ever changing user requirements. Stimulation of flexible use of buildings is a strategy that aims at extending the functional lifespan of buildings. Adaptability of building components is an important technical aid to facilitate flexible use. Due to the large number of variables and the many dependencies and uncertainties in the translation of (changing) user requirements into technical solutions, a methodical approach is indispensible. Therefore the CSA method is developed. The method is designed to impartially select and compare a number of adaptability measures. The degree of efficiency of the chosen measure is assessed by quantifying the required effort for an adaptation, costs and environmental impact. The initial (single) effects for these criteria are distinguished from the more often occurring effects that come with each adaptation. The uniqueness of the CSA method is that a best fit is sought from both the user point of view and the effects on/of the applied building technology. Operation of the CSA method proved to be valid by performing three case studies. In current building the initial phase is decisive for decision making. However, the case studies show that solutions with a high degree of adaptability are the most efficient for the long term, when adaptation occurs several times during the lifespan of a building