The project examines the incorporation of circular economy frameworks within design development and construction processes to explore potential sustainable practices within Architecture's profession. This is explored through the visualization, catalouging and experimentation of alternative material and design decisions centered around the pressures of reducing, reusing and recycling construction waste. These factors are respectively explored by preserving the existing infrastructure, reactivating; using 'waste' products to develop additional spaces; and developing a modular architectural design which promotes circular economy and reuse through its use of robust and flexible units when producing spaces.
The design explored withdraws upon ideas of de-growth and effective material use researched in a prior dissertation centered around minimalism to realize the relationships established between the building and its social, and economic, as well as its environmental contexts. Adopted methods of valuation and ideas of de-growth uncovered wasteful processes occurring throughout the established circular framework and holds potential in informing a more efficient/ sustainable practice.
The design research was guided and advised by Studio Tutors Moa Carlsson and Simone Ferracina. Furthermore, exploration of the site raised by brief was carried out in a collaboration with Anna Cameron, Georgia Tucker, Minyong Choi, and Yana Markos.
