sometimes referred to as ‘ soft landings ’. Conceiving a building that can successfully adapt to future needs remains a significant challenge , but BIM can help to speed up decisions - both on day one and in response to future changes .
Going one step further , physical structures now exist that can be remodelled almost as easily as virtual ones . The principle is to create modules that can be dismantled and moved within the outer shell of the building .
Thus , room sizes can change and new spaces emerge with minimum cost or effort . The building becomes a dynamic organism , creating an adaptive environment for an evolving community .
When planning for the long term , all we can be certain of is that the future is unpredictable . The problems that preoccupy us now may be irrelevant in a decade , but new obstacles will emerge instead .
Consistent , rich , and accurate data is our greatest weapon for dealing with uncertainty . We may not be able to see into the future , but knowing and understanding your asset , and closely tracking how its occupants are using it , is essential preparation for the unseen challenges and opportunities ahead .
19