The Circular Economy approach in architecture – a study of 5 bottom-up cases

This research is specifically focused on outlining exemplary cases and providing specific data regarding the undertaken design methods and material solutions in order to support the Circular Economy approach in architecture. The study is intended to identify and explain whether the commenced by the private investors processes, methods and material solutions have potential to become standardised design methods in the future. All analysed buildings has been erected throughout years 2018-2020 in Denmark, where the CE is gaining growing attention. Within the five cases were used a variety of methods: material recycling, upcycling, design for disassembly, prefabrication, adaptation. The analysis shows that despite of the up-to-date theoretical background, architects unwillingly incorporate in design new technologies and advanced materials. The identified methods are a result of the actions undertaken by designers, including obtaining post-demolition materials or materials intended for disposal. Due to the complicated process of the material harvesting these solutions are not ready to be implemented in the design process, but they rather require a development of the detailed cooperation with the local authorities and the industry. The summaries provide an overview of the actions introduced to achieve the circularity of the built environment.