Future-proofing Building Investments with Computational Design

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us how uncertain life can be. Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted. Investors and institutions committing millions want to safeguard their projects—but how can they protect against the unknown? 

Beyond designing for resilience against disasters, advanced space optimization tools can give buildings second, third, or even fourth lives. Computational design turns unknowns into knowable outcomes and shifts the paradigm of “form follows function.” Instead of programmatic needs dictating design, flexibility drives everything. And with flexibility comes adaptability. From individual buildings to master plans, computational design helps futureproof projects, making them program-agnostic and universal. 

Historically, futureproofing meant following best practices. Today, we can add historical data to predict how places will be adopted, repurposed, and sustained—before construction begins. Computational design can generate countless 3D models of buildings or cities, providing answers once thought unknowable. 

Arcadis applied parametric modeling during early design, evaluating thousands of massing solutions against criteria such as program stacking, scenic views, and open space quality. 

Oliver Hartleben , Urban Planner, explains: 

“COVID was a perfect example of something nobody saw coming that changed how we behaved and used space…We think about how to design assets that are resilient, adaptable, flexible to withstand stresses that aren’t the norm. Arcadis leveraged computational design to develop master planning options for open space, pedestrian circulation, and connectivity. al ones. How do you design a building that can stand the test of time?” 

Arcadis leveraged computational design to develop master planning options for open space, pedestrian circulation, and connectivity. 

Rethinking the future of parking garages 

Parking garages illustrate the risks of rigid design. Purpose-built garages, with low floor heights and inclined levels, serve only cars. Yet demand has often been uncertain—first with the shift from horses, later with autonomous vehicles. Many existing apartment buildings and warehouses were once garages. 

Architects who raised floor heights and flattened levels extended their life. Without flexibility, these structures could have been abandoned or demolished, wasting resources. 

Parking spaces could be reconfigured into retail, residential, or office space. Structures could also integrate green spaces, creating vibrant mixed-use environments. 

Flexibility in design 

Arcadis is expanding flexible design approaches worldwide. In Latin America, where land-use planning is volatile, futureproofing is vital. 

Computational design maximized site views, connected to existing roads, balanced land use, and increased value. Drawing on data from 1,000 cities, Arcadis modeled optimal mixes for walkable, economically resilient communities.

Testing to find the best solution 

For this historically Black college, Arcadis provided pro-bono planning to redevelop its 58-acre campus. Thousands of permutations were tested to find the most optimized multiphased plan.

Modeling revealed the best sequence for reopening buildings and aligning them with capacity and revenue forecasts. It also tested funding scenarios, quantifying parcel values to support private development. This informed a redevelopment roadmap that positions Knoxville College for sustainable growth. 

Protecting investments through flexibility 

The risk of fixed design is obsolescence when needs change. Flexible, data-driven approaches minimize waste, extend sustainability, and protect investments. Computational design empowers evolution at every scale, providing resilience from a scientific foundation. 

Arcadis’ design reoriented the campus toward the Rideau River, making its natural setting a defining feature of the student experience. 

Get in touch

Contact our Principal, Architecture & Urbanism Division, Jason King or message on our LinkedIn page: Arcadis to learn more.