Expanding horizons: a framework for developing futures-oriented resilience in the built environment

Resilience is increasingly prominent in the built environment (BE) research, emphasizing holistic thinking. However, the existing frameworks tend to be limited in their spatial–temporal scopes and often focus on a few known threats like climate change and resilience at narrow spatial scales. Hence, there is a need for a broader approach to prepare BEs for diverse future crises and engage stakeholders at multiple levels. This study aims to reinforce the current understanding of BE resilience with a spatial-temporally dynamic qualitative future studies-based approach. With the Futures Wheel method, this study engaged 179 experts across 58 multidisciplinary groups to explore how resilience evolves during possible crises. The study identifies 25 resilience development themes, categorized as (1) physical resilience, (2) institutional and organizational resilience, (3) critical infrastructure resilience and (4) psychosocial resilience. Findings reveal that there are overarching themes for developing resilience for numerous diverse threats in the BE, applicable to individual spaces and buildings, their spatial dynamics and broader spatial scales. The results build up the existing literature, offering insights for urban scholars to refine the resilience concept, and guiding policymakers, planners, architects and real estate professionals in formulating proactive and comprehensive strategies, checklists and vulnerability assessments for resilient BEs.