Apart from the individual design qualities, the following advice facilitates the transition towards an economy of closed material loops. It includes lessons learnt by researchers and practitioners actively working on building design in a circular economy. Some of them are situated beyond the traditional scope of the designer, but are nevertheless considered interested leverages and enablers.

Embed the design qualities in every stage of the life cycle of a building. Using them during the design, construction and operation phase keeps them high on the agenda and avoids unpleasant surprises or discussions.

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Start from the Beginning

Embed the design qualities in every stage of the building’s life cycle. Using them during the design, construction and operation phase keeps them high on the agenda and avoids unpleasant surprises or discussions.

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Consider Digitalisation and ‘Sensoring’

Digital building modelling and management facilitate the collection and follow-up of relevant data. Complementary, sensors allow optimal use and management of spaces and technical services.

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Evaluate New Business Models

Leasing and performance contracts, take-back schemes and shared use are opportunities to increase component’s utility over time and facilitate closed material flows, while sharing costs.

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Preassemble

The preassembly of building components off-site provides higher quality and efficiency and therefore lower initial cost. In addition, it is expected that pre-grouping components also speeds up their disassembly

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Imagine ‘Scenarios’

Understanding the user’s needs remains crucial to combine the design qualities to suitable concepts. If that user is not known, imagine divergent scenarios to test the robustness and resilience of your design.

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Keep up Maintenance and Operation

The expected service life of a building component depends on its maintenance as well as on its initial design quality. Therefore, anticipate and plan regular maintenance and avoid vacancies or obsolescence.

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Deliver and Share Data

Materials passport, as-built models, component labels, disassembly plans, intervention reports, condition assessments, etc. Documenting reduces risks and facilitates an asset’s future valorisation.

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Allow User-Controlled Adaptations

Acknowledge that a building’s construction is not the end, but only the start of its dynamic service life. Therefore, look for and propose generic systems, adaptable by the user, rather than fixed solutions.

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Enhance Supervision and Communication

Actively informing about, and involving construction partners in the design qualities, together with on-site inspection and management, increases the quality and long-term value of the executed work.

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