Circular Economy Principles in Architectural Design, Construction and Cities
A. Farokhi, A.Miri, “Circular Economy Principles in Architectural Design, Construction and Cities” Journal of Engineering in Industrial Research. 6(1), pp. 53-69, DOI: 10.48309/jeires.2025.503720.1157 (Mar 2025)
Circular economy, as a new approach to economic development, seeks to reduce pollution and manage resources more efficiently. The purpose of this article is estimate of Circular Economy Principles in Architectural Design, Construction and Real Estate. Circular economy is an economic system in which products, materials and resources are continuously recycled, resulting in no or minimal waste. It is based on three fundamental principles: design to eliminate waste and pollution; keep materials and products in the cycle of use; and restore natural systems. The world population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, with 55% of them living in cities. This population growth will put more pressure on natural resources and demand new infrastructure, services and housing. Currently, cities account for approximately two-thirds of global energy demand and are responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions as well as 50% of global waste, with estimates indicating that urban waste levels will double by 2050. The construction industry’s approach to the life cycle of materials and buildings is evolving. For a long time, this cycle has followed the simple formula of “plan, design, build and finally demolish”, but over time, new concepts such as recycling, dismantling, reuse and circular demolition have emerged in the industry and form part of the gradual transformation towards a circular economy in construction. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of building components, but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Circular design emphasizes several key principles: designing for longevity, adaptability, and disassembling components; using sustainable materials; and ensuring that products can be easily repaired, reused, or recycled at the end of their life cycle. The transformation in the construction industry’s approach is bringing the stages of use of buildings and their life cycle closer to reality.