Environmental issues have been the defining theme in architecture for several years now. The imminent scarcity of natural resources and growing awareness of the environmental damage caused by the construction industry have forced the profession to take a stand and develop solutions that mitigate its impact on the planet. While developing new technologies that enable more sustainable materials is essential, this impetus can—and must—originate at the very beginning of architectural practice: the design phase.
In practical terms, it is possible to apply the concepts of circular economy to construction. This concept, as applied to architecture, envisions a framework where materials, waste, and resources are repurposed, ensuring their use is durable and adaptable for reuse in the event of deconstruction or demolition. Various sustainable materials and processes are being explored in the building sector, though their implementation is still in its infancy on a global scale.
