Design for the future: Flexibility for tomorrow’s needs

As building design adapts to meet shifting demands — driven by climate conditions, fluctuating business needs, and evolving regulatory standards — flexibility has become essential.

Designs that stand the test of time, structurally and aesthetically, require an eye beyond today into the future. Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) play an important role in this long-term design approach. These systems are well-suited for a variety of expansion, retrofit, and modular strategies — making them a smart fit for building teams who want to design for change without sacrificing quality or performance.

The American Institute of Architects says, “Design for adaptability happens at the beginning of the building’s lifespan; it means intentionally designing the building so that adapting it for future uses is not impossible or cost prohibitive.” ¹

With the expertise and support of BlueScope Buildings North America brand Varco Pruden Buildings, project teams fulfill this intent by enabling forward-looking design strategies that perform from Day One — and evolve gracefully as needs change.

Building at scale

When the Jacksonville Jaguars sought to create a world-class indoor practice facility, they needed a structure capable of supporting professional-level training while accommodating the scale and performance requirements of an NFL franchise.

The resulting facility required expansive clear-span space to provide athletes with an uninterrupted training environment while delivering the durability and long-term performance expected from a professional sports organization.

The solution was a custom-engineered steel building from Varco Pruden. The facility's large open interior allows for maximum flexibility today while providing adaptability for future operational needs. The clear-span design eliminates interior columns, creating unobstructed space for training activities and offering greater flexibility for future modifications.

This structure meets the team's functional requirements today while supporting long-term adaptability. Its scalable design and durable steel construction provide a framework that can continue to evolve alongside the organization's future needs.

The Jacksonville Jaguars Indoor Practice Facility demonstrates how large-scale steel building solutions can balance immediate performance requirements with long-term flexibility and growth.

Flexible design through retrofit

As demand for passenger capacity grew at the world’s busiest cruise port, Terminal F at PortMiami was chosen for expansion and redesign. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the design and construction team partnered with Varco Pruden to build a retrofit strategy, leveraging their proprietary/collaborative technology and expertise to modernize and expand the terminal while preserving the existing structure.

The design incorporated several internal features, from new colors and textures to go along with updated wayfinding in the new, larger space. 

Externally, one of the most defining expressions of the design came from above. A Varco Pruden SSR™ Standing Seam Roof installed over the existing structure was designed to evoke the form and movement of ocean waves—creating a dynamic and meaningful architectural identity for the terminal.

The metal-over-metal retrofit system can achieve thermal insulation values up to R-38, extend the life of a building by decades, and meet today’s most stringent energy codes—without the need to remove the existing roof.²  The practical result is lower waste, reduced project timelines, and significant energy improvements with minimal interference to daily operations. 

But beyond practical, the design provides an evocative experience that will serve the building and its users for decades.

Why Design for Flexibility Matters

Buildings are long-term assets. The ability to adapt, expand, and optimize over time adds value — both for owners and communities. Pre-engineered systems from Varco Pruden, when integrated thoughtfully into the architectural process, create the kind of future-focused spaces that evolve as needs shift.

Whether through scalable design, seamless retrofit, or rapid expansion, PEMBs offer a framework for enduring performance—and a smarter way to build for the future.

Citations

1. AIA report: Buildings that last: Design for Adaptability, Deconstruction and Reuse, 2024, https://www.aia.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/AIA_Design_Deconstruction_Adaptability_Reuse.pdf 
2. MBMA Whitepaper: Comparison of Retrofit Systems Over Existing Metal Roofs, 2017, https://mbma.com/sites/default/files/documents/MetalRoofRetrofits.pdf