DesignedtoChange.be collects the research insights developed at VUB Architectural Engineering by the team of Waldo Galle.
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Today, more than ever, circular construction is on the agenda. It is embedded in European, national and regional policy, and is addressed in private and public design assignments. How, What, Why? Well, through well-thought and informed design choices, circular material flows can be enabled and encouraged.
So, let’s design out waste!
In four steps it is possible to make well-considered design choices that extend the service life of buildings and close material flows. Download the toolkit, walk with the design team through these steps, and formulate together a clear-cut answer.
Analyse the assignment and context and select the most appropriate design approach. Do you design and build for longevity, disassembly or reuse?
Select the design qualities that support your design approach. Review how for example reused components, compostable materials or reversible connections support your ambitions.
Bring your choices together in a concise concept. Does ‘pace layering’, or ‘buildings as material banks’ mean something to you? Or do you have your own concept at hand?
Find out what the role of the two other approaches could be, and use them for specific building components or design aspects. Select the corresponding qualities and concepts.
Download the tool in your language:
Circulair ontwerpen in vier stappen - NL
Quality. Denim insulation made of old jeans is safe and can be installed without wearing a mask. Photo: Arnaud Bouissou, Terra.
Design choices are key in the transition towards a circular construction economy. In this guide you find the insights and experiences of design practitioners, clients and researchers from Brussels and beyond on designing buildings that are prepared for change and circularity.
Circular design qualities enable more effective reuse, recycling or renewal of buildings and building components. Walk through them and do the check.
A variety of design concepts combine multiple circular design qualities, tailored to a specific project context. Make yourself familiar with the most iconic cases.
Finally, a series of strategic options brings the implementation of each design quality that last step closer. Create yourself the right conditions for a successful ‘circular’ building.
Download the design guide in your language:
Design Qualities to Guide and Inspire Building Designers and Clients - EN
Ontwerpkwaliteiten om Architecten en Opdrachtgevers te Begeleiden en Inspireren - NL
Des Critères de Conception pour Guider et Inspirer - FR
The former Belle-Vue brewery (L’Escaut architectures) could be redeveloped thanks to its qualitative site and location. Photo: François Lichtlé.
Buildings are all around us and form a dynamic environment in which – and through which – we interact. The dynamism of the built environment has significant consequences on resource consumption and, therefore, the environment we inhabit.
Some buildings are cherished forever, while others do not last long. Find out how our constantly changing needs and standards put pressure on the built and natural environment.
In construction, many actors are involved. Five Brussels testimonials illustrate their interest in a circular built environment: a developer, designer, manufacturer, investor and policy maker.
Finally, new policy guidelines and client requirements are gradually changing the architect’s role. An opportunity to redefine the designer’s profession in line with the 21ste century.
Download the vision document in your language:
Buildings, a Dynamic Environment - EN
Gebouwen, een Dynamische Omgeving - NL
Le Bâti, un Environnement Dynamique - FR
This hunting lodge (BC architects & studies) is built of rammed earth, locally sourced and pure. Photo: BC architects & studies, BC materials.
Cover picture: Greenbizz by architectesassoc+ (Detiffe, 2020)