Sustainable Retrofitting: The Significance of Adapting the Already Existing Buildings

Abstract The built environment is critical in attaining sustainability today, when this objective is vital. This chapter explores the essential role of anticipating the built environment, specifically focusing on adapting existing buildings. Here, the built environment, sometimes thought of as merely the background to our everyday existence, is examined in light of its potential for transformation. The chapter emphasizes the significance of two fundamental elements: visionary and dynamic features of the built environments. When these components are in harmony, it is anticipated that the existing buildings will undergo substantial renovations to meet the sustainability standards necessary for their enhancement. A noteworthy outcome of this chapter is the promotion of tools for anticipatory engagement with the built environment, mainly through utilizing virtual reality (VR) and virtual environments (VE). By adopting these technologies, we can facilitate sustainable enhancements to existing buildings. This chapter not only aims to raise awareness of the anticipatory aspect of the built environment but also examines various retrofitting scenarios that underscore this principle. Utilizing Virtual Singapore (VSG) as a case study emphasizes the chapter proposal related to the closed loop. Furthermore, this chapter forecasts potential research trajectories in pursuing sustainability through anticipatory improvements in the built environment.