longbuilt

Longbuilt is a neologism used in design, architecture, and product development to describe objects, structures, or systems engineered for extended lifespans and high durability. The concept places longevity, reliability, and ease of maintenance at the center of the design process, often in combination with modularity and upgradability to extend useful life beyond conventional product cycles.

The term is a compound of long and built and has appeared in industry writing and sustainability discourse rather than in formal dictionaries. There is no universally accepted definition or standard criteria for what constitutes a longbuilt design, and its usage varies by context and author. It is typically descriptive rather than technical.

Examples include buildings constructed with durable, low-maintenance materials and modular components that can be replaced or upgraded; consumer electronics designed for easy repair, spare parts availability, and extended service life; and software architectures that emphasize long-term support, backward compatibility, and modular updates that reduce obsolescence.

Related concepts include durability, longevity, repairability, modular design, and resistance to obsolescence. Longbuilt is sometimes contrasted with planned obsolescence and with strategies that favor rapid iteration over durable design.