Adaptive Architecture: Design for a Declining Global Population

Abstract

In the face of a declining human population, our ability to plan for and adapt to future circumstances will be essential if we, as a global community, are to not only preserve our built environment, but also ensure its continued growth in a responsible manner. We cannot afford to ignore or be indifferent to the issue of population decline. And while it will require the cooperation and coordination of a large number of groups to develop a comprehensive plan, we as architects and members of the design community have a responsibility to develop our own set of criteria that will ensure the consistent design of buildings that are sustainable, adaptable, and durable. Through the design of a 50,000 square foot multi-purpose office environment in downtown Fargo for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota and its partnering organizations, I hope to illustrate the adaptable design strategy that I have developed through my research on population decline and sustainable architectural methods. The design and its underlying strategy will be showcased through the use of plans, sections, perspectives, and photographs of the physical model.