What is Adaptability?
Adaptability in industrial architecture refers to the capacity of the building to accommodate change. Changes are inevitable. The technology frequently changes, making the previous equipment redundant. This inevitable change in technology necessitates adaptability in industrial architecture.
Why do we need adaptable industrial buildings?
Adaptability ensures efficient use of the space. Adaptable buildings are flexible to changes cost-effectively, run for a longer span, and, as a result, are more sustainable.
Additionally, adaptability ensures that the building does not become obsolete or redundant. Architects and engineers must understand the present technology and be able to predict the future, and design an adaptable building. Future trends could involve changes in social and local perspectives. Moreover, sustainability is another factor to be considered while designing adaptable buildings. Technical requirements may be a precursor for a change. Statutory regulations may change, necessitating changes in the building.
Industrial land has become scarce and expensive, making adaptability an important feature in industrial architecture due to good and cost-effective land scarcity. Designing a building adaptable to change ensures that the lifespan increases. Expansions can be either vertical or horizontal. The freedom for the industry to expand as per their requirement in future is necessary today. Additionally, the architects and engineers plan the footprint based on future expansions.
Reconfiguration in future should not be a constraint in any industry. Similarly, architects and engineers place core utilities in an area likely to be the least disturbed. Utility augmentation during expansion has to be with minimum downtime.
Architects and engineers design for flexibility, convertibility, durability and expandability for an adaptable building. The adaptable industrial building facilitates changes, increases or shrinking of space.
Conclusion
Adaptable buildings result from good industrial architecture, engineering, planning and management. Architects and engineers must consider the entire facility holistically. Adaptable buildings are here to stay because adaptable buildings are a must for sustainability.
