The architecture of reuse

Abstract

The starting point for designers in a circular system will often be identifying an inventory of potential second use materials and components. They then develop their design ideas around the tectonic characteristics of the materials. This can be seen as a restriction or a positive inspiration for creating meaningful ecological architecture suitable for the circular economy. Since availability of reclaimed materials and components is currently less predictable, flexibility in design and tolerance to alternatives by the project team and owner are important. The building design community needs to review and adapt conventional practices to increase demand for, and effectively integrate, reclaimed materials and components. This paper considers the architectural process implications and opportunities from reuse. As design teams adopt strategies to increase use of reclaimed materials and components, it is likely that the standard project management stages used by design teams may need to be adapted to facilitate a process better suited to circular strategies. New partnerships need to be formed, and new tools developed. Learning from existing projects a series of strategies are reviewed.