Beyond participation, architecting the unknown future: a methodological framework for form-based adaptability

Purpose This research addresses the “temporal paradox” in architectural design, where even participatory methods produce fixed configurations that constrain future adaptability. It proposes a design methodology focused on creating inherently adaptable built environments capable of meeting the unknown needs of future generations. Design/methodology/approach The study builds upon John Habraken's “Support/Infill” theory and Stanford Anderson's concept of the “Robust Environment.” It employs a design-by-research approach, utilizing evidence from architectural experiments conducted with students over three decades. The study methodologically follows Imre Lakatos's epistemological framework of scientific research programs, which views urban studies as evolving through a “hard core” and progressive research programs (Akbar, 2025). Findings The research concludes that the key to long-term adaptability lies in prioritizing a “form-generating process” over a functionalist one. The optimal configuration of a building for future change is determined “not” by its initial function, but by spatial form and the “constraints” of its layout (e.g. positions of openings). Research limitations/implications The study is conceptual and based on pedagogical experiments. The findings require further validation through a real-world application. Practical implications This methodology provides architects with a research framework for designing buildings that will undergo significant functional changes with minimal demolition. This promotes sustainability, reduces waste, etc. Originality/value This paper makes a theoretical contribution by synthesizing and advancing the work of Habraken and Anderson. It moves beyond the participatory design paradigm to introduce a forward-looking, “form-first” epistemology for urban adaptability. The proposed method offers a teachable design process to achieve the theoretical goal of a “robust environment,” presenting a parallel approach to conventional, functionally deterministic architectural practices.