Exploring adaptive strategies to cope with climate change: The case study of Le Corbusier's Modern Architecture retrofitting

Abstract

Historic buildings, often exempt from retrofits to preserve originality, require retrofitting due to potential future climate-related indoor issues. For Modern Architecture constructions, there is a need to find solutions that help address the discomfort and heat losses caused by the extensive use of glazing. By analysing Le Corbusier's studio-apartment this paper aims to inspect: (i) Solutions for energy, Indoor Environmental Quality, and preservation; (ii) Climate change impact on them; (iii) Possible adaptation strategies to cope with climate change. Spectrally selective glazing reduced summer overheating by 15%; high-performance glazing lowers cold discomfort (24%) and heating (22%) but increased warm discomfort; shadings maintained energy use and reduced summer discomfort by up to 44%; thermal insulation can reduce winter discomfort and halves energy use but raised summer discomfort by up to 41%. Tests on 2050–2100 climate change scenarios reveal up to 70% more warm discomfort hours. Adaptive strategies can help, with natural ventilation cutting warm discomfort by 50–60%, and adaptive setpoints reducing cooling demand by about 35%. Adaptive strategies can complement traditional retrofitting in addressing current and future climate conditions, especially in historic buildings that require minimal interventions to preserve their historical characteristics and enhance resilience.