A Framework for Early Stages of Socially Sustainable Renovation of Multifamily Buildings with Occupants’ Participation

Abstract

Research shows that in most cases occupants are not actively involved in the design process but only informed about the decisions already made. This paper proposes a framework for the early phases of socially sustainable renovation design of multifamily buildings enabling occupants’ active and timely involvement by defining appropriate mechanisms for participation in a structured manner. It further considers the interdependence of the social, environmental and economic aspects of renovation design and underlines the significance of their simultaneous consideration. The presented research shows the existence of significant heterogeneity, complexity and interdependence of a number of factors that need to be considered in order to adequately conceptualize sustainable building renovations. Finally, the paper discusses future directions for the development of the proposed model.