Circular Economy: A Fast View of the Future of Architecture

In recent years, the concept of the "Circular Economy" has permeated almost every sector. Architecture is no exception; it has been deeply influenced by this movement, as evidenced by the growing number of projects and buildings designed with these principles in mind.

Image courtesy of: Urbantainer

In fact, architecture is arguably one of the most influential fields for this new policy. The construction industry has a massive impact on both global economics and environmental sustainability. The primary advantage of a "circular" system is the ability to disassemble and reconstruct, adapting various components for new functions. This innovative approach is made possible through prefabrication, which shifts the bulk of construction from the traditional building site into a controlled factory environment.

Since the turn of the millennium, an increasing number of companies and designers have adopted these systems, radically transforming the construction process. Today, the majority of the work is completed in a factory, leaving only a small fraction to be finished on-site. This results in a "turnkey" product, delivered complete with all final finishes.

We are operating in a context that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and process cost-efficiency. One of the most revolutionary aspects is the ability to relocate a building from one site to another—whether due to a change in initial design requirements, shifting social trends, or external factors.

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A Practical Example: The Adaptable Hotel

Consider a mountain hotel that relies on the ski season for its revenue. Due to climate change, a decrease in snowfall could lead to a drop in tourism, making the business no longer financially viable.

• The Traditional Outcome: The building is abandoned, leading to urban decay and environmental waste.

• The Circular Approach: Using circular architecture, this scenario can be avoided. The entire structure can be disassembled and moved to a more viable location. While this involves logistical costs (estimated at approximately 30% of the original investment), it saves the structure itself and prevents the total loss of the asset.

Image courtesy of: Infobuild

The circular architecture system, driven by innovations in building design and production, is undoubtedly a compelling field. Its inherent circularity offers the dual benefit of reducing costs and construction timelines while significantly lowering the environmental impact. This approach addresses both the waste generated during construction—a major contributor to global pollution—and the issue of building abandonment caused by shifting economic landscapes.

However, while temporary structures have already proven their effectiveness in circularity through repeated cycles of installation, storage, and removal, the more permanent architectures featured in this portfolio remain something of a question mark. Although designed for disassembly, none have yet undergone the actual process of being decommissioned and repurposed.

Image courtesy of: Infobuild

The Common Ground project, constructed using shipping containers, shows the greatest promise for quick and easy relocation, as each unit is self-contained and easily adaptable for new uses. In contrast, the Alpenhotel Ammerwald and the Moxy Hotel present more complex challenges. These were built, entirely or in large part, using bespoke three-dimensional modules designed for a specific purpose, raising significant doubts about their reuse. Each of these projects will be explored in depth in upcoming articles. This will allow for a focused analysis of every design, uncovering the specific factors and decisions that led the architects to their final results.

Image courtesy of: Infobuild

Key obstacles included:

• Regulatory Compliance: Composite panels would likely need to be dismantled and modified to meet updated building codes at the time of re-employment.

• Material Degradation: Components such as thermal and acoustic insulation or MEP systems may already be partially deteriorated.

• Structural Limitations: The use of materials like wood treated with specific resins makes it difficult to alter their characteristics for future applications.

Ultimately, while the vision of circularity is clear, the practical execution for these types of structures remains a frontier yet to be fully tested.

Reference: Infobuild, Urbantainer