Living labs and building testing labs: enabling climate change adaptation

Climate action requires rapid, evidence-based and locally appropriate adaptation measures. Effective responses in the built environment depend on integrated, multilevel solutions developed through inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration. Long-term, effective adaptation must fulfil five key criteria: contextual fitness, capacity for local implementation, systemic transformation, future-oriented planning and flexibility to avoid maladaptation. This study applies this analytical framework derived from climate adaptation theory to observational analyses and expert interviews to examine how building technology laboratories (BTLs) and living labs (LLs) facilitate systemic and context-specific adaptation in the built environment. By analysing purposely selected research institutions, the study conveys the potential of these laboratories to drive transformational climate change adaptation. These findings are discussed in relation to their relevance for resource-constrained regions. The cross-case study analysis of selected research facilities can inform the establishment of similar facilities in the Southern Africa region, contributing to climate adaptation research, enhancing local adaptive capacity and promoting long-term regional resilience. POLICY RELEVANCE In the context of a rapidly changing climate, practitioners and policymakers must act decisively to implement effective built environment-related climate adaptation measures, BTLs and LLs. Based on seven case studies, key adaptation criteria (contextual relevance, local feasibility, systemic transformation, future-oriented planning and flexibility) are used to assess how BTLs and LLs contribute to systemic and context-specific climate adaptation. Transferable lessons from these laboratories are identified and their potential application is discussed for resource-constrained settings. These insights are contextualised for Southern Africa, advocating the implementation of laboratories to enhance local research and development capacity, inform practical interventions and strengthen long-term regional resilience to climate change.