Ergonomic issues in the material re-use process

Abstract

The major purposes of ergonomic design in architecture are as follows: creating comfortable space and environment around the human- body and mind, the optimization of working and living spaces, and preservation of the natural environment. One of the most important aspects of the design process is proper building materials selection. In accordance with extraction and manufacturing processes, building materials are divided into the following groups: natural materials, synthetics, and composite materials. In the second half of twentieth century, mainly due to natural resource depletion, people began to focus their attention on re-use and recycling strategies. Nowadays it seems, that thanks to material recovery and recycling, we are able to limit the destructive impact of human activity on the natural environment. However it needs to be pointed out, that today's re-use technology needs to be adjusted and improved regarding modern environmental and ergonomic issues. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.