Potentials for the Reduction of Construction Waste in the Architectural Design Stage

Abstract

In this article, we propose the correspondence of Construction and Demolition Waste, CDW reduction and architectural design as a central concept to redefine the role of Architecture in the context of the Circular Economy, as applied to the construction process. To raise this question, 1) a State of the Art discussion was elaborated, a series of interviews was conducted with various relevant actors in the public and private spheres; 2) a Case Study of works carried out in relation to these principles was prepared; and 3) surveys were applied among professionals in the construction sector to assess the perception, experience and willingness to incorporate principles of waste reduction in professional practice. These activities made it possible to elucidate the potential of waste reduction strategies in the design stage, to identify the main barriers and opportunities, and to propose measures and instruments for a better implementation in practice.