Circular economy in Nordic Architecture: Thoughts on the process, practices, and case studies

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Abstract

The principles of the circular economy change the existing practices in the construction sector. Designing for the future reuse requires extended research concerning the building's structure and the properties of materials. The circular design needs to investigate such aspects as the robustness of materials, reversibility of the structure, maintenance techniques, and reuse scenarios. This often requires extended knowledge and multiple consultations with experts. Thus, it results in a non-standard design trajectory. Therefore, the circular design process encounters multiple challenges related to the innovative character of architectural solutions, lack of knowledge, absence of adequate legal regulations and policies, ineffective business models, extended design phase, extra costs, or other socio-cultural determinants.
In this paper, selected case studies from the Nordic countries are analysed through literature reviews, field visits, and case studies analysis to define exemplary, architectural practices that close material flows and enable circular design and construction process.  Analysed case studies (i.e., projects by Vandkunsten Architects, Lendager Group, Helen and Hard) demonstrate that research-based design process, life-cycle analysis, designing for disassembly, the use of local materials and techniques results in environmentally effective, high-quality, aesthetic, and sustainable architecture which not only functions well today but have a long-lasting character as it embraces the value of passing time. In the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway), there are buildings that prove that the principles of the circular economy can be successfully incorporated in the built environment and serve as an inspiration for further development of circular architecture and sustainable cities. 
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWSBE 20 - World Sustainable Built Environment - Beyond2020
Number of pages8
Place of PublicationGothenburg, Sweden
PublisherIOP Publishing
Publication dateNov 2020
Article number042042
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020
EventBeyond 2020: World Sustainable Built Environment Conference - Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
Duration: 2 Nov 20204 Nov 2020
https://beyond2020.se

Conference

ConferenceBeyond 2020: World Sustainable Built Environment Conference
LocationChalmers University of Technology
Country/TerritorySweden
CityGothenburg
Period02/11/202004/11/2020
Internet address
SeriesIOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
Number4
Volume588
ISSN1755-1315

Keywords

  • sustainable architecture
  • circular economy
  • circular architecture
  • Nordic architecture
  • case studies

Artistic research

  • No

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