Many buildings punish and restrict us because almost none of them adapt well. In real use, buildings need to adapt because their uses are constantly changing. All buildings are predictions, and yet more high-style buildings are designed not to change, not to accommodate new use. A good portion of this book is a natural history of how buildings change with time, what things work to make buildings that adapt gracefully, what building layouts allow easy redefinition of space and building code considerations that permit remodelling. This practical book aims to integrate all different aspects of fragmented design and construction process, so buildings can be seen as embodying a functional and aesthetic and capacious vision, not conflicts, compromises and conveniences of clients, architects, engineers, contractors-all working in their own interest.