Building Conversion: Enhancing Sustainability Through Multifunctionality and Movable Interior Systems

Sonia Vuscan and Radu Muntean ()
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Sonia Vuscan: School of Industrial Design, Shandong University of Art and Design, Jinan 250100, China
Radu Muntean: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-38

Abstract: As urban expansion faces increasing constraints, adaptive reuse has become a critical strategy for sustainable development. This study examines how multifunctionality and adaptability, facilitated by movable interior systems, can enhance the efficiency and longevity of building conversions while reducing material consumption and construction waste. Through a dual-questionnaire methodology, responses were gathered from over 200 end-users and 100 industry professionals across multiple countries to assess perceptions of adaptability in building reuse. The findings indicate that 89% of end-users prioritize spatial flexibility, while professionals cite financial constraints (67%) and regulatory barriers (54%) as key obstacles to implementation. This study highlights the potential of ADD-rest and similar reconfigurable interior systems to optimize underutilized spaces, aligning sustainability, urban resilience, and design innovation. By bridging theoretical concepts with empirical data, this research offers practical insights for architects, urban planners, and policymakers, reinforcing the role of adaptable interior solutions in the future of sustainable urban transformation.

Keywords: building conversion; sustainability; multifunctionality; adaptability; urban regeneration; architectural transformation; creative repurposing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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