This week on the What is the future for cities? podcast, we released two episodes that fit together like pieces of an evolving urban puzzle. Episode 373R featured a debate summarising Rand Askar, Luís Bragança, and Helena Gervásio‘s 2021 paper on the Adaptability of buildings: A critical review on the concept evolution. It traced how ideas around adaptable structures have shifted over time, often blurring with flexibility. Then, episode 374I brought in Manfred Schrenk, Director of the Competence Center of Urban and Regional Planning, who shared practical views on affordable housing, migration, smart cities, and mobility innovation – all while emphasising repurposing existing urban fabric. These discussions highlight how cities can change without constant demolition, focusing on longevity and human needs.

Here are five key lessons from the episodes, reflecting on how theoretical debates meet real-world challenges. They encourage a thoughtful approach to urban evolution, where adaptation serves people first.

Lesson 1: Adaptability and flexibility are distinct yet interconnected strategies

The debate in episode 373R explores the evolution of adaptability as a concept, from short-term tweaks to long-term transformations. Terms like “adaptability” and “flexibility” often overlap in practice, but the paper argues for clarity: adaptability handles major, unpredictable shifts driven by external factors like climate or regulations, while flexibility deals with internal, user-led changes such as rearranging spaces. Models like Stewart Brand’s shearing layers illustrate this – interiors change every five years (flexibility), but structures endure for 50 (adaptability).

Manfred Schrenk in episode 374I echoes this by advocating repurposing historic buildings, like Vienna’s Otto Wagner hospital turned cultural centre. He stresses human-centric planning over tech hype, suggesting adaptability extends building life without erasure. The lesson? Treat these as linked tools: modularity achieves both, but distinguishing them guides better investments in durable cores and flexible infills for resilient cities.

Lesson 2: Repurposing urban fabric preserves identity while enabling progress

Episode 373R stresses strategies like convertibility and scalability to make buildings last amid urbanisation and tech changes. The open building approach separates durable supports from flexible infills, allowing reuse without waste. This ties into historical evolution, where adaptability moved from rigid designs to layered systems anticipating unknowns.

Schrenk brings this to life with Vienna’s examples, from green belts secured a century ago to repurposed sites blending old and new. He critiques over-reliance on new builds, noting cities like Vienna thrive by adapting existing structures – avoiding speculation and maintaining character. The takeaway: Repurposing honours history, reduces environmental strain, and fosters inclusive growth, turning potential obsolescence into opportunity.

Lesson 3: Affordable housing thrives on mixed, accessible models

The paper in 373R indirectly supports housing longevity through adaptable designs that accommodate changing needs, like converting offices to homes amid demographic shifts. This prevents premature demolition and promotes efficient resource use.

Schrenk dives deeper in 374I, praising Vienna’s model where the city owns vast properties for affordable, mixed housing – avoiding “social housing” silos. He warns against market-driven speculation: “As soon as short-time profit rules… it becomes an object of speculation and keeps losing quality.” Non-profits ensure balance, integrating migrants and preventing division. The lesson: Accessibility means social mixing and long-term planning, making housing a foundation for unfolding potential rather than a commodity.

Lesson 4: Migration integration builds vibrant, evolving communities

While 373R focuses on buildings adapting to societal changes like population growth, it underscores the need for scalable designs that handle influxes without exclusion.

Schrenk in 374I offers optimism on migration: Vienna’s waves from Yugoslavia and Turkey have produced “original Viennese” across generations. He notes, “The hope is alive that also people coming now integrate themselves… and of course in a changing society will look differently in 30, 40 to 50 years.” Challenges exist with separation, but cultural blending enriches cities. The key: Support integration through accessible spaces and policies, turning migration into a strength for diverse, resilient urban identities.

Lesson 5: Mobility innovation shifts from ownership to shared, human-centric systems

The debate in 373R hints at adaptable infrastructure for evolving transport needs, like flexible layouts for new modes.

Schrenk critiques car dominance in 374I: “Changing from diesel to electric… the car is still a car… we have to think about other mobility concepts that go away from the status symbol of a car.” He praises the 15-minute city for neighbourhoods but notes limits for hubs like airports. Innovation lies in shared concepts, reducing idle vehicles and boosting walkable, bikeable spaces. The lesson: Prioritise people over tech symbols, adapting mobility for quality of life and inclusive access.

These five lessons reveal a shared thread: cities evolve best through thoughtful adaptation, blending theory with practice. The 373R debate‘s conceptual scrutiny tempers Schrenk’s real-world optimism, showing that longevity in buildings and systems demands human focus – from housing mixes to mobility shifts. Together, they urge us to repurpose wisely, integrate inclusively, and innovate for people.

What adaptation in your city inspires you?

Next week we are investigating why positive visioning is crucial for urban futures, with Jocelyn Chiew!

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