More than building: Future-proofing buildings
Leonel Silva, Project Manager - Real Estate
The technological evolution of recent decades is unprecedented in human history. Its impact extends to practically every area of human life, from personal relationships to economic, professional and social activities. This technological transformation has contributed to a more connected, productive and faster-paced society, but it has also brought with it fresh challenges. These include the pressure on the territory, the way spaces are occupied and organised and, above all, the role that buildings play in this process.
One of the most visible aspects of this change is the lifecycle of technological objects. It is common for a car that is only a decade old to be considered obsolete and replaced by more efficient models, often electric or hybrid. The same is true of computers and mobile phones, with many of these devices becoming incompatible with modern systems or even ceasing to function within just five to seven years. This rapid obsolescence has led to the creation of recycling, reuse and circular economy programmes, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting the sustainable use of resources.
But what about our buildings? And what about the territory where they are located?
Buildings are designed to last a lot longer than cars or mobile phones. If we consider a minimum lifespan of 50 years, and in many cases more than 100 years for a building, it is unthinkable that they remain static, immune to the profound technological, social and environmental changes taking place around them. This is the basis for the concept of Shared and Valued Territory – an approach that transcends the traditional idea of physical space and proposes an inclusive, sustainable and adaptable territory.
What is Shared and Valued Territory?
A shared and valued territory is much more than the functional occupation of an urban space. It is a concept that proposes the creation of built environments that promote social inclusion, the rational use of resources and continuous adaptation to changes in society. Buildings are no longer seen as static structures but as dynamic entities, capable of being technologically updated, changing function and responding to the needs of the community.
This approach became evident when the Tiny House concept showcased in the Nova Arcada shopping centre was transformed into a coworking space. In just a few days, a conventional, functional apartment was turned into a modern, comfortable and attractive shared office. All this was achieved without generating significant waste, without demolition and without major structural alterations. The main intervention was in terms of furniture, decoration and integrated technology, which highlights the potential of adaptable construction.
Adaptable buildings: The future of sustainable construction
In an ever-changing society, what is an office building today could be a hotel, clinic, school or multi-family residential building tomorrow. Adaptable buildings are therefore an efficient and ecological response to the growing need for functional flexibility. By using solutions such as modular fixtures, reversible structures and integrated technological infrastructures, it is possible to extend the social usefulness of buildings, reduce material waste and increase investment efficiency.
You only have to look at the urban fabric of our cities to see the increasing refunctionalisation of spaces. Many buildings are being adapted to new functions in response to demographic, technological and economic shifts. In many cases, this type of transformation is hampered by the original construction model itself, which was designed to provide permanent solutions to temporary problems.
Shifting this paradigm is essential. Inflexible construction has become an obstacle to urban development and is today one of the main sources of inefficiency within the construction sector. Studies indicate that the total cost of a building over its life cycle can be between 3 and 5 times higher than the cost of its initial construction. It is therefore imperative to move towards a sustainable, evolutionary and efficient construction logic, capable of flexibly and responsibly accommodating future challenges.
Technology as a Valued Territory ally
The same technology that today challenges the durability and function of buildings can, and should, be used as a strategic ally to build better and live better. The Casais Group has been at the forefront of this transformation, investing in innovative and technologically advanced construction solutions, such as Blufab's offsite systems, the CREE Buildings system (which used a timber hybrid, i.e., a wood and concrete composite), as well as KREAR, BluMEP and Quadrina solutions. These approaches promote a reduction in the consumption of raw materials, construction time and waste generated, and are designed to be integrated into a circular economy logic, with traceability of components and ease of reconversion.
In addition, the incorporation of digital twin technology has revolutionised the way buildings are managed and maintained over time. Through the GoTwin application, developed by TopBIM, it is possible to access a faithful digital replica of the building, enabling efficient management, precise technical interventions and future adaptations at significantly reduced costs. With the support of digitalisation, buildings become more intelligent, energy efficient and ready for automation and environmental monitoring.
The benefits of an evolving territory
A territory that values its spaces and makes them shared, flexible and technologically integrated offers multiple advantages, both for people and for the environment:
This perspective is reinforced by concrete examples. The case of converting a living space into a coworking space mentioned above is just one of many that demonstrate how the industrialisation of construction, when combined with intelligent design, can result in highly adaptable, efficient and sustainable solutions.
Thinking about the future Sustainability and territorial justice
Building a shared and valued territory implies going beyond the aesthetics or immediate functionality of buildings. It is essential to anticipate change, incorporate resilience and promote collective well-being. In an age when technology is advancing at a dizzying pace, adaptability is no longer an advantage – it has become an urgent necessity.
This is where the concepts of sustainability, territorial justice and energy efficiency converge. A truly valued territory is one that manages to balance innovation with inclusion, development with responsibility, and progress with memory. Only in this way can we ensure that the spaces we inhabit today remain relevant and functional for future generations.
When buildings serve people—and not the other way round—we are closer to a truly shared, inclusive and valued territory. By applying technology, flexibility and the principles of a circular economy, it is possible to create more efficient, resilient and humane urban spaces. The challenge id clear: build today with tomorrow in mind, without forgetting that the true value of the territory lies in its ability to continually reinvent itself, without ever losing sight of the real needs of society.
Uma excelente ideia 💡! Parabéns!