What is Over-Providing? A Strategy for Resilient Architecture
Over-providing traditionally implies offering more than is necessary, often carrying a negative connotation due to the potential for excess and waste. However, could there be scenarios within the built environment where over-providing proves advantageous? The question critically examines how overprovisioning might enhance a building's flexibility and adaptability to diverse and evolving conditions.
![What is Over-Providing? A Strategy for Resilient Architecture](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/66d1/97c0/f999/c666/7f87/9a8f/medium_jpg/what-is-over-providing-a-strategy-for-resilient-architecture_1.jpg?1725011911#)
![Kingway Brewery Renovation by URBANUS. Image © Kangyu Hu Kingway Brewery Renovation by URBANUS. Image © Kangyu Hu](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/66d1/97c0/f999/c666/7f87/9a8f/medium_jpg/what-is-over-providing-a-strategy-for-resilient-architecture_1.jpg?1725011911)
Over-providing traditionally implies offering more than is necessary, often carrying a negative connotation due to the potential for excess and waste. However, could there be scenarios within the built environment where over-providing proves advantageous? The question critically examines how overprovisioning might enhance a building's flexibility and adaptability to diverse and evolving conditions.
The underlying assumption of accurately providing what is needed for a building is that stakeholders—including owners, architects, and designers—can accurately predict and cater to a structure's current and future needs. This assumption, however, is challenging to realize, as societal, economic, and cultural shifts frequently occur in unpredictable ways. In this context, over-providing emerges as a counterintuitive yet potentially beneficial strategy. As buildings and structures inevitably transform, those designed with inherent adaptability reduce the need for costly renovations or complete rebuilds.