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Building Conversion: Enhancing Sustainability Through Multifunctionality and Movable Interior Systems

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Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonia Vuscan & Radu Muntean, 2025. "Building Conversion: Enhancing Sustainability Through Multifunctionality and Movable Interior Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-38, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3182-:d:1627407
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marta Bottero & Chiara D’Alpaos & Alessandra Oppio, 2019. "Ranking of Adaptive Reuse Strategies for Abandoned Industrial Heritage in Vulnerable Contexts: A Multiple Criteria Decision Aiding Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Emmanuel Kofi Gavu & Richard B. Peiser, 2024. "Embodied Carbon and the Nuances in Office-to-Residential Conversions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-14, March.
    3. Antonello Monsù Scolaro & Stefania De Medici, 2021. "Downcycling and Upcycling in Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse of Pre-Existing Buildings: Re-Designing Technological Performances in an Environmental Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-23, October.
    4. John M. Kamara & Oliver Heidrich & Vincenza E. Tafaro & Sebastiano Maltese & Mario C. Dejaco & Fulvio Re Cecconi, 2020. "Change Factors and the Adaptability of Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-18, August.
    5. Oluwatobi Mary Owojori & Chioma Sylvia Okoro & Nicholas Chileshe, 2021. "Current Status and Emerging Trends on the Adaptive Reuse of Buildings: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    6. Sonia Vuscan & Radu Muntean, 2023. "Multifunctional Homes: A Sustainable Answer to the Challenges of the Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-28, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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