Transformability in architecture for a changing environment

The transformation of the built environment is a necessary process to accommodate evolving needs and to effectively respond to contemporary environmental and climatic challenges. This paper aims to outline an approach for evaluating the transformability of existing buildings, emphasizing typology as a critical element in regeneration strategies. The proposed methodology addresses gaps in current evaluation methods that primarily consider managerial and intangible factors, often neglecting typological and constructive features. Inspired by the works of Gropius, Le Corbusier, and Klein, the study introduces indicators to quantify qualitative aspects of buildings, such as natural lighting, spatial usability, and structural modifiability. These indicators facilitate a deeper understanding of the relationship between building typology and construction, assessing the feasibility and readiness of buildings for transformation. The methodology is applied to three domains: public social housing, historic hospitals, and greening interventions. For public housing, the study distinguishes between “big buildings” and “megastructures,” highlighting the need for holistic strategies encompassing energy efficiency, structural strengthening, and typological reconfiguration. In historic hospitals, the “slight reuse” approach integrates structural and functional adaptations while respecting historical values. The “GREENWORK” project extends the evaluation framework to nature-based solutions, considering environmental, technological, and structural aspects. The proposed method aims to support designers and policymakers in defining intervention priorities, providing a comprehensive understanding of existing assets through easily interpretable indicators. By emphasizing the relationship between typology and construction, the study offers a nuanced approach to the sustainable transformation of the built environment.