The Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), with its presence in New York, Rotterdam, Hong Kong and Australia, has grown over the last 20 years, remaining resilient even through the pandemic. David Gianotten, the managing partner- architect, has led numerous global projects since joining the firm in 2008. At LDAD 2024, he shared his insights on adaptive architecture, and Indonesia Design had the privilege of speaking with him about the topic prior to the event.
What is your definition of adaptive architecture?
Adaptive architecture involves transforming an existing building to give it a renewed purpose, whether with the same or an updated function. We often refer to this as regenerative architecture, which has a broader focus, encompassing human, contextual, and urban elements. For us, this holistic approach is crucial, as it extends beyond the building itself.
How important is it to reuse architecture rather than building a new one from scratch?
It’s important because existing architecture already has a context, a memory, and a history of use. People are familiar with it, which makes it easier to embed within society. However, transforming functionality is often part of adaptive or regenerative architecture, which can alter the project’s context. Gaining people’s acceptance of this change then becomes the most important factor.
Currently, we often see industrial or inner-city areas transformed first. People used to live on the outskirts and commute into the city for work or leisure. Now, old buildings in the city are revitalised, drawing people back into urban areas.
Most existing buildings were designed for single-use purposes, so revitalization projects tend to be more complex. For architects, this is exciting because while single-use projects can be done very well, they offer less opportunity to engage with the broader urban context.
Indonesia will be moving its capital to a new city in Kalimantan. How do you think the buildings left behind can adapt to the changing conditions?
There are so many people in Jakarta, and many still strive for a better life. These buildings will be able to adapt and change functions, transforming from offices to housing projects and from single-use to mixed-use. The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is that you can’t simply move a government from one city or island to another. There are not many successful examples of this.
Brasília in Brazil took more than 80 years to become a fully functioning city. Canberra in Australia is another example; it’s completely empty at weekends. Mandalay in Myanmar is now largely vacant because it was solely a political decision.
As for Jakarta, I’m sure the government will still maintain a strong presence here, as many political families live in the city. You can’t just move them all to Kalimantan; that’s not how society or culture works.
If the transformation happens at full speed, it will require planning not only for the new city but also for Jakarta in the long term. This goes beyond just building design—it involves infrastructure, growth, and increasing opportunities for people. It extends far beyond the physical realm. Jakarta needs comprehensive urban, sustainability, and social planning to ensure its future.
Seeing many buildings needing to adapt to changing conditions around the world, what are the most important considerations for an architect designing a new building meant to endure over time?
I think it’s essential to make the most responsible decisions based on the knowledge you have today. You need to understand the context of the location very well—know the people, collaborate with them, and take an interest in their culture. Otherwise, you risk creating buildings that look impressive but don’t function well because they’re not culturally appropriate.
You should also conduct a detailed analysis of what’s possible and necessary, and add 50 per cent more ambition. Otherwise, after seven years of construction or transformation, the building may no longer meet its full potential. This forward-thinking approach requires flexibility in your design, deep knowledge of materials, and an understanding of how to reuse resources effectively. Your involvement should span from the beginning to the end of the project.
Then, you must adapt to new uses and technologies as they emerge. This includes implementation, aftercare, and integrating the building into a well- understood context. This level of commitment demands substantial investment from the architect. It also highlights the need for strong local context and design quality, rather than reliance on external concepts.