Concept of Building Adaptability: A Sustainable Approach towards Resources and Energy Conservation in Nigeria

Abstract

The existing building stock represents the largest financial, physical and cultural asset in the industrialised world and most developing countries. A sustainable society is not possible until this key resource can be effectively managed.

With the prevalent increase in resource scarcity and ecological crises, the need to consider adaptability of building spaces as a tool to sustainably manage building stock is imminent.

This paper takes a look at the concept of adaptability of building spaces for multifarious use as a sustainable and veritable tool towards effective resources and energy conservation. The strategies of adaptability and various adaptive systems are discussed. The paper concludes by explaining how the concept of adaptability relates to conservation of resources and energy consumption in buildings and proffering possible recommendations towards achieving this.