Linear till Proven Circular: Wicked Challenges in Construction Practice View Digital Media

Workshop Presentation
Bob Geldermans  

‘Circularity’ is increasingly present in architecture and design education. But also in policy documents, tenders, competitions and debates on housing and construction practice. One of the main recurring questions is: (how) can actors remain aligned throughout design, production, construction, operation and disassembly stages of buildings and building components? Diverging perspectives and interests, together with availability and affordability of materials, knowledge, data and other resources will weight heavily on decision-making processes. In the face of ecological challenges there is no room for stalling or conflicting strategies. The alignment of decision-making processes throughout the supply and (re)use value chain necessitates a concerted tour de force: both in the development and in the adoption of innovations. This socio-technological conundrum challenges existing priorities in practice as well as in research and education. In this workshop, we focus on discrepancies between intended design concepts and the – in many cases sobering – reality during construction, operation and disposal stages. Next to case-studies from the Netherlands and Belgiums, introduced by the workshop leader, participants bring in their own cases. By means of a 'Circular Design & Implementation Matrix', the ins and outs of selected cases are discussed.