Table 2

Building adaptability-related definitions

TermDefinitionImplied quality and aim
Building adaptability“The inherent properties in a building that gives it the ability to change, or the relative ease with which it can be changed through some external intervention.” (Heidrich et al., 2017)Quality: The ability to accommodate building changes in general
Aim: Facilitation of modification
 “The capacity of a building to accommodate effectively the evolving demands of its context, thus maximising value through life.” (Eguchi et al., 2011)Quality: The ability to meet the future demands
Aim: Maximisation of value and building longevity
 “The capacity to be modified for a new purpose.” (Hudec and Rollova, 2016)Quality: Ability to accommodate building changes
Aim: Facilitation of embodying new function
 “The ease with which a building can be physically modified, deconstructed, refurbished, reconfigured, expanded, and/or repurposed.” (Ross, 2017)Quality: Ability to accommodate building changes
Aim: Ease of implementing physical modifications and embodying new function
 “Building's ability to meet shifting demands without physical changes”. (Geraedts et al., 2017)Quality: Ability to meet future demands
Aim: No physical alteration
Adaptive reuse potential“Propensity of an asset to be ‘recycled’ to perform a significantly different function while keeping the basic attributes of the asset in place”. (Langston, 2014b)Quality: Functional recyclability
Aim: Preservation of basic physical features of the building
Adaptive capacity of building“Characteristics that enable it to keep its functionality during its technical life cycle in a sustainable and economic profitable way, withstanding changing requirements and circumstances.” (Geraedts et al., 2017)Quality: Ability to preserve building functionality
Aim: Sustainability, economic profitability, and changeability to future needs and conditions

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