Circular and adaptable strategies in building reuse are key to achieving a resource-efficient and future-proof built environment. Despite significant advances in circular building research, this field is affected by a significant theory–practice gap. To bridge this gap, we applied an action design research methodology, implementing a circular building design framework over a five-month period in the context of a Dutch monumental office building reuse. The objective of these interventions was to observe practitioners engaging with the framework and identify the barriers they encountered when considering and applying circular building strategies. We observed that the framework primarily functioned as a descriptive tool. Enhancing its usability and effectiveness required several refinements, including simplifying its self-description, clarifying its strategies through practical solutions and connections to related models, providing robust assessment tools, and improving its accessibility. Through iterative action research conducted during the observation and intervention period, we addressed these issues and advanced the framework. Our design-oriented approach led to the development of key design artifacts: a prescriptive guiding, assessment, and reporting tool; a stepwise approach to streamline application; and a hands-on worksheet for practitioners. These artifacts were integrated into a user-friendly platform, transforming the framework into a practical tool for real-world implementation. For theory, this study incorporates a circular perspective into a usable framework and demonstrates how an action design research approach can co-develop and improve frameworks and their usability and relevance. For practice, the produced artifacts represent boundary objects tailored to practitioners’ needs; thereby paving the way for future circular adaptive reuse. Clinical trial number: not applicable.

Existing buildings are changing assets, altered in response to various external or internal triggers for change. Often, change can occur in the form of adaptive reuse – also known as building transformation. Therefore, promoting adaptability in transformation is necessary to cope with the inevitability of building changes. Building transformation is considered an effective practice contributing to the circular economy (CE) and building adaptability as a prerequisite for circular design. However, previous research pointed out that building stakeholders lack knowledge about the alignment between CE and adaptive reuse.
This study aims to provide building and real estate practitioners with a guiding framework for promoting circularity and adaptability in adaptive reuse projects. A quadrant research design was used in this study to develop and apply the framework in practice. The four components of this research are four stepwise studies, namely theoretical – an integrative literature review, empirical – multiple case studies, participatory – framework co-development, and actionable – framework implementation.
First, the integrative literature review contributed to theoretically conceptualizing the underlying concept of this research – the circular building adaptability (CBA), which brings together circularity and adaptability. Second, the multiple case studies contributed to extracting lessons learned about applicable CBA strategies in adaptive reuse and their enabling and inhibiting factors. Third, the participatory study contributed to co-developing a descriptive framework for CBA in adaptive reuse (CBA-AR). Finally, the action research study contributed to testing and improving the usability and effectiveness of the CBA-AR framework based on observing, acting, and reflecting on a case project.

Adaptive reuse of buildings offers a sustainable strategy for reducing global CO2 emissions by repurposing existing structures, conserving resources, reducing the need to extract new materials, and minimizing waste. However, the decision-making process in adaptive reuse projects is often complex, involving conflicting criteria and diverse stakeholders. Current approaches tend to polarize alternatives, focusing either on broad functional use or specific design options, which can limit decision effectiveness and quality. This study addresses these challenges by developing a participatory mixed-methods approach that integrates Cross-Impact Balance (CIB) analysis with creative scenario-building techniques, including generative AI and participatory workshops. This approach balances the extremes of current decision-making processes, offering a more comprehensive overview of desirable futures for decision-makers. The methodology was applied to create 15 “big picture” circular adaptive reuse scenarios, each incorporating circular building adaptability (CBA) strategies, and enriched with AI generated narratives and visualizations. These scenarios provide stakeholders with a nuanced understanding of potential future pathways, enhancing decision-making processes. This mixed-method approach demonstrates the potential of participatory CIB scenario development in advancing circularity, offering a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of adaptive reuse decision-making.

The built environment plays a crucial role in the ongoing challenge of climate change, primarily through resource consumption, energy use, and contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As urbanization accelerates, the environmental footprint of construction and building operations has grown significantly. Currently, buildings account for 40% of the world’s waste, 40% of material resource use, and 33% of human-induced emissions.

Purpose
This paper explores the relevant fire code requirements and outlines the development of an evaluation tool based on these codes to evaluate fire safety measures in dining properties.

Design/methodology/approach
Existing literature was examined to identify the combustible materials, fire causes and factors making these properties prone to fire incidents. An evaluation method, based on code regulations, for ensuring fire safety in dining properties was then developed and tested on a specific dining facility to validate its practicality.

Findings
Forty requirements, grouped into seven categories, were identified for ensuring fire safety in dining properties. The case study exposed multiple violations of fire safety, leading to corrective measures for enhancing the fire safety status of the building.

Practical implications
This study introduced a methodical approach for raising awareness, among property managers of dining properties, about fire incidences and their consequences. It presents an evaluation tool for assessing the compliance level with fire codes and standards.

Originality/value
Dining properties are facilities that offer both dine-in and take-out food services. Given the increasing number of fire incidents in dining properties worldwide, there is a substantial demand for a process to audit the adherence to fire safety codes in these properties. This study presents a systematic approach to increase public knowledge of fire events and their effects in dining properties.

Purpose
Circular building adaptability (CBA) in adaptive reuse – building transformation – projects can facilitate a resource-efficient and futureproof redevelopment of the built environment. However, there has been a lack of practical tools that guide practitioners on how to foster CBA in adaptive reuse. Therefore, this study aims to collaboratively develop a guiding framework for CBA in adaptive reuse (CBA-AR) projects in general. The CBA-AR framework is a descriptive and content-oriented synthesis mapping a series of strategies to the CBA determinants alongside their enablers and inhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach
A participatory research-oriented approach was followed. First, an archival research was conducted to develop the CBA-AR framework based on literature review and case studies. Second, two co-creation workshops, triangulated with structured interviews, were conducted to validate and expand the framework.

Findings
The first version of the CBA-AR framework comprises 30 CBA strategies. It also brings seven enablers and six inhibitors together with the 30 CBA strategies. The outcomes of the participatory approach contributed to refining and expanding the framework. The final of the CBA-AR framework version comprises CBA 33 strategies. This version brings 10 enablers and 7 inhibitors together with the 33 strategies.

Practical implications
This framework can be used as a guiding and reporting instrument by designers and property developers while transforming vacant or obsolete properties in the Netherlands. Policy makers can refer to this framework and amend adaptive reuse legislation.

Originality/value
The CBA-AR framework can introduce a transformative change in theory and practice, as it is based on theoretical, empirical and participatory research.

Bevolkingsgroei, marktdynamiek, vastgoedleegstand en veroudering van gebouwen zijn enkele aanleidingen voor transformatie van gebouwen. De laatste decennia zijn er al veel transformatieprojecten uitgevoerd, mede als oplossing voor leegstand (zie 11. Transformatiemeter kantoren). Sinds kort wordt gebouwtransformatie ook als een veelbelovend onderdeel van de transitie naar een circulaire economie gezien, omdat er per definitie sprake is van hergebruik van materialen en producten en dit de noodzaak om nieuwe materialen in de kringloop te brengen vermindert. Om een optimale bijdrage te leveren aan de circulaire economie, zullen de gebouwtransformaties zelf evenwel ook circulair moeten worden uitgevoerd. Dit hoofdstuk presenteert daarom een conceptueel model voor praktische en toepasbare strategieën voor circulaire en aanpasbare gebouwtransformatie. Dit model is een handig en informatief hulpmiddel voor beleggers, ontwerpers, ontwikkelaars en bouwers.

Purpose: The application of circular building adaptability (CBA) in adaptive reuse becomes an effective action for resource efficiency, long-lasting usability of the built environment and the sped-up transition to a circular economy (CE). This paper aims to explore to which extent CBA-related strategies are applied in adaptive reuse projects, considering enablers and obstacles. Design/methodology/approach: A stepwise theory-practice-oriented approach was followed. Multiple-case studies of five circular adaptive reuse projects in The Netherlands were investigated, using archival research and in-depth interviews. A cross-case analysis of the findings was deductively conducted, to find and replicate common patterns. Findings: The study revealed that configuration flexibility, product dismantlability and material reversibility were applied across the case studies, whereas functional convertibility and building maintainability were less applied. Low cost of material reuse, collaboration among team members and organisational motivation were frequently observed enabling factors. Lack of information, technical complexities, lack of circularity expertise and infeasibility of innovative circular solutions were frequently observed obstacles to applying CBA. Practical implications: This paper provides practitioners with a set of CBA strategies that have been applied in the real world, facilitating the application of CBA in future adaptive reuse projects. Moreover, this set of strategies provides policymakers with tools for developing supportive regulations or amending existing regulations for facilitating CE through adaptive reuse. Originality/value: This study provides empirical evidence on the application of CBA in different real-life contexts. It provides scholars and practitioners with a starting point for further developing guiding or decision-making tools for CBA in adaptive reuse.

Population growth, market volatility, building obsolescence and property vacancy are triggers for adaptive reuse. Thus, adaptive reuse is an investable practice that needs to be facilitated by the means of adaptable design. Furthermore, adaptive reuse aligns with the principles of circular economy (CE), as it promotes the reuse of buildings and their longevity; thereby, reducing the need for new materials. In this regard, promoting the so-called circular building adaptability (CBA) in adaptive reuse could provide different benefits to the built environment, including long-lasting functionality and material reversibility. However, no guiding tool has been developed yet to practically guide practitioners on how to promote CBA in adaptive reuse. Therefore, this study aims to develop a guiding framework for CBA in adaptive reuse. First, a content-wise guiding framework was synthesized based on lessons learned from the relevant literature and case studies. The framework brings together a series of passive, active and operational strategies alongside their enabling and inhibiting factors. Second, a co-creation workshop was conducted and triangulated with three interviews to validate and expand the defined strategies. Based on the findings of this participatory approach, the developed framework encompasses 33 strategies. This framework can be seen as a legitimate and informative tool for practitioners, as it was constructed based on acquiring knowledge from theoretical research, empirical research and participatory research.

Purpose: This paper aims to provide architecture, engineering, construction and facilities management (AEC/FM) practitioners with a guiding tool for overcoming the challenges affecting their performance in adaptive reuse project. Design/methodology/approach: Literature review was conducted to comprehend the challenges affecting the AEC/FM performance during the implementation of adaptive reuse projects. A case study was conducted on an adaptively reused building, located in Saudi Arabia. The case study building was converted from a bookstore into an amusement center. Document review of the as-built drawings, and a structured interview with the project manager were conducted. The study concluded with the development of AEC/FM practical guidelines, pertaining to the different involved domains. Findings: This study indicated that the potential challenges are interrelated among the three domains. These challenges pertained to the spatial, legislative, technical, administrative and operational aspects. The findings emphasized the vital role of the integration among the AEC/FM domains, at the early project planning phases. Based on the findings, three sets of AEC/FM guidelines were developed. Research limitations/implications: Theoretically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides a case-specific investigation of the challenges affecting the AEC/FM performance in adaptive reuse projects. Practical implications: The developed practical guidelines could potentially enhance the AEC/FM performance in future adaptive reuse projects. Originality/value: This study contributes to the practice of adaptive reuse projects through providing practical guidelines for mitigating the challenges that affect the AEC/FM performance in these projects.

Purpose: Adaptability is an inherent quality in building circularity, as adaptability can physically facilitate the reversibility of materials in a closed-reversible chain, also called “loops”. Nevertheless, positioning adaptability in circularity-oriented models could overlook some of the contextual considerations that contribute to the utility for the built environment. This paper reconceptualises building adaptability to incorporate circularity, in order to facilitate for the resource loops whilst preserving the long-lasting functionality in buildings. Design/methodology/approach: An integrative literature review on adaptability and circularity of buildings was conducted using systematic search approach. From the initial database of 4631 publications, 104 publications were included for the final analysis. A comparative analysis of definitions and determinants of both concepts was conducted to reconceptualise circular building adaptability. Findings: The findings of the literature study show that incorporating circularity and adaptability is possible through 10 design and operation determinants, namely configuration flexibility, product dismantlability, asset multi-usability, design regularity, functional convertibility, material reversibility, building maintainability, resource recovery, volume scalability, and asset refit-ability. The study concludes that considering the defined determinants in a holistic manner could simultaneously facilitate: building resilience to contextual changes, creation of asset value, and elimination of waste generation. Originality/value: This paper expands the relevant bodies of literature by providing a novel way of perceiving building adaptability, incorporating circularity. The practical value of this paper lies in the discussion of potential strategies that can be proactively or reactively employed to operationalise circular building adaptability.

The buildings and construction sector accounts for the majority of the energy consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). For a sustainable future, energy consumption in the sector should be reduced and existing buildings need to be energy retrofitted. A number of studies present energy retrofitting of residential buildings in KSA; however, there is a lack of studies presenting retrofitting of educational buildings. Thus, the aim of this study is to adopt a BIM-based approach to assess Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) in a prototypical Government-built educational building in Dammam, KSA. The methodology consists of six prime steps, (1) case study data collection, (2) energy auditing, (3) proposing ECMs, (4) BIM model development, (5) energy assessment, and (6) economic assessment. The energy audit revealed several inefficiencies in the building construction and operation and four ECMs were proposed and simulated. It was found that annual energy consumption can be reduced by 22.7% in the educational building, and the investment for the four ECMs is paid back in 2.7 years only. Therefore, implementing the proposed ECMs is a viable option to energy retrofit such educational buildings in the country, and the presented BIM-based approach can be adopted to efficiently conduct the energy retrofitting process.

Purpose – Building adaptation has been viewed as a strategy towards the sustainable development and circular economy, as it contributes to the reuse of the built assets and reduce their environmental impacts in the long term. Relevant research focused on defining the determinants of the sustainable building adaptation, while the comprehension of that from the perspective of the circularity is still needed. Thus, this paper intends to present a reconceptualisation of the built environment adaptability through incorporating determinants of circularity. Design/methodology/approach – An integrative literature review, using systematic search, was conducted on relevant sources to the adaptability and circularity domains, to identify potential determinants of circular building adaptation and incorporate them in a novel conceptualisation. Integrative literature, as a research approach, was followed to critically analyse the components of both concepts, and thus, conceptually synthesis their determinants in an integrated formulation. Two matrices were developed to depict the determinants of both concepts with their brief description, and thus, the conceptual incorporation was accordingly conducted. Findings – Based on the initial literature review, it was concluded that circular adaptability of buildings comprise a series of technical, physical, legal, legislative functional and spatial determinants that should be incorporated with a set of the R-strategies to efficiently closing the loop of the resource consumption. The R-strategies could encompass the reuse, refurbish, recycle and remanufacture of the building components. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides a basic comprehension of the building adaptation within the context of the call for circular built environment, which can be a foundation for the development of pragmatic strategies towards achieving the circular economy prospects.