This special issue advances the understanding and implementation of housing adaptability and flexibility across a range of issues: spatial, social, environmental, economic, time and multi-use and multiuser adaptability.

The adaptability of our homes is a social, emotional and cultural issue as much as a technical or construction challenge. The need for housing adaptability and flexibility became apparent during the pandemic, when an increasing range of activities, such as working, studying, home-schooling, exercising etc., occurred in homes that were never designed for this purpose and thus ill-suited. However, the need for adaptability and flexibility is also necessary at other times during a building’s lifespan. Dwellings need to accommodate new working practices promoted by digitisation, or a changing demographic (ageing population, migration, fluctuation of household members).

Guest editors: Sofie Pelsmakers and Elanor Warwick

This special issue explores how to best adapt spaces to accommodate different and changing user needs (on a daily, seasonal, long term basis) and user generations. The papers in this special issue explore:

• Concepts of adaptability and flexibility in housing and their implications
• The potential for existing and new housing to become more adaptable over time
• Drivers and barriers to implementing housing adaptability
• How residents may overcome unadaptable spaces
• The benefits and unintended consequences
• What shapes inhabitants’ needs, perceptions and expectations for adaptable spaces

The papers in this special issue challenge policymakers, planners, clients, developers and designers to make new and existing dwellings more adaptable. This special issue makes clear both the needs and benefits that accrue from providing adaptability in housing. Moreover, it is financially viable to do so. When embarking on retrofitting strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the housing stock, it would be wise and cost-effective to include adaption in retrofit programmes. But there is an equal justification for making the housing stock more widely adaptable – especially given the decreasing size of dwellings and changing nature of work and education. A home’s adaptive capacity supports an individual’s and community’s resilience when faced with different life events and their associated disruptions and consequences.

Table of contents

Housing adaptability: new research, emerging practices & challenges (Editorial)
S. Pelsmakers & E. Warwick

Sharing a home under lockdown in London
F.  Blanc & K. Scanlon

Adapting owner-occupied dwellings in the UK: lessons for the future
T. Hipwood

Architects’ ‘enforced togetherness’: new design affordances of the home
E. Marco, M. Tahsiri, D.  Sinnett & S. Oliveira

Inclusive Living: ageing, adaptations and future-proofing home
V. McCall

Balconies as adaptable spaces in apartment housing
T. Peters & S. Masoudinejad

The use of apartment balconies: context, design and social norm
M. Smektała & M. Baborska-Narożny

Residents’ views on adaptable housing: a virtual reality-based study
J. Tarpio & S. Huuhka

Lack of adaptability in Brazilian social housing: impacts on residents
S.B. Villa, P.B. Vasconcellos,  K.C.R.  de Bortoli, & L.B. de Araujo

Commentaries

Housing Adaptability: Some Past Lessons
A. Rabeneck

Key Lessons for Adaptable Housing
F. Holliss

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