---
type: Skill
title: Adaptive Composition
description: Use when deciding whether a task needs no Architectonic structure, one standalone layer, a named profile, or a custom composition.
tags: [architectonic, core-skill, composition, minimalism]
source_status: native
source_name: Architectonic reviewed core
source_license: Apache-2.0
risk_level: low
requires_review: false
status: reviewed
---

# Adaptive Composition

## Trigger

Use before introducing organizational structure into a new task, repository, project, corpus, actor system, or agent collaboration.

## Inputs

The current work, expected duration, number of actors and agents, authority boundaries, source volatility, recurring procedures, handoff requirements, and existing systems of record.

## Procedure

1. Ask whether any durable artifact will change future action. If not, use existing repository instructions and stop.
2. Identify the smallest unresolved concern: invariants, actors, project, skills, knowledge, models, agents, or upkeep.
3. Select one standalone layer when only one concern needs a durable home.
4. Select a named profile only when several concerns repeatedly matter together.
5. Use an exact custom composition when a named profile would add unrelated layers.
6. Record why each selected layer exists and what failure or ambiguity it prevents.
7. Revisit the composition when the work changes; add or retire structure rather than preserving it by inertia.

## Verification

- Every installed layer has a stated need and primary home.
- A disposable task does not acquire permanent bureaucracy.
- Standalone project, constitution, identity, and knowledge use cases remain possible.
- The selected composition contains no layer justified only by template availability.
- Existing external systems of record are referenced rather than duplicated.

## Failure Modes

- Installing the full profile by default.
- Treating completeness as value.
- Coupling a standalone project to organization governance without a material reason.
- Creating a new source of truth where one already exists.
- Never retiring obsolete structure.