Strategies enhancing the implementation of design for adaptability in the Ghanaian construction industry: An exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses

Abstract

Despite the benefits design for adaptability (DfA) contributes to achieving sustainability and circularity in the construction industry, studies have demonstrated that construction professionals are yet to realize its full potential. This study examines the strategies that can enhance the practice of DfA among design professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). A quantitative approach was used to achieve the aim of the study by soliciting the views of 236 design professionals in the GCI through structured questionnaires. Data gathered were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed six key categories of strategies (i.e., management strategies, economic strategies, governmental regulations and policy strategies, design strategies, technological strategies and social strategies) to enhance the implementation of DfA practices in the GCI. This study highlights the theoretical and practical implications of DfA implementation, offering actionable insights for construction stakeholders to foster sustainability and resilience in the built environment. It contributes to academic discourse by categorizing strategies and proposing an implementation framework relevant to developing economies like Ghana.