Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process How could design processes be changed to accelerate the transition of building design towards a circular economy by 2030? Abstract: A transition towards circular building design would substantially reduce the negative ecological impact of buildings on the environment, decreasing the circularity gap of the Netherlands. While attempts have been made to investigate the design process of circular buildings, it remains an under-researched topic relative to other areas of circular architecture. This research recognizes the design process as a tool that allows the reduction of the circularity gap and investigates how the design processes could be changed to accelerate the transition of building design towards a circular economy by 2030. A series of surveys, case studies, and interviews with architects who have engaged in circular building design has been conducted to identify areas of change in the design process that could speed up this transition. The inclusion of circular building strategies, a more active government role, and enthusiastic participation of project teams are outlined as three categories of change. The results were analyzed through visual content analysis. Dutch architects view increased political interest as necessary to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy, yet simultaneously require more flexibility and freedom from the rigidity of the current design process. This will not change the process itself but rather its structure. This research participates in the movement towards circularity through the visualization of the design process. It also contributes to key players of the building sector, particularly architects, by highlighting areas for change in this process.
Written by: P. Baars, S. Kirsten, D. Klopotek, C. Menegon Nossig, K. Szczepara
Keywords: changes, design process, acceleration, architecture, circular economy
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
1. Introduction The unprecedented ecological crisis the planet is
responsible for 40% of the country’s waste (CBS,
currently facing has forced a change in the way human
2019; Koutamanis et al., 2018). In order to limit waste
beings interact with their environment. A ‘traditional’
production, the recommendation is to significantly
linear economy of producing, using, and disposing is
reduce uneconomical demolition of buildings and
no longer feasible for the preservation of the planet,
guarantee that building methods prioritize the
and a shift towards a circular economy has become
renovation and reuse of materials (Circle Economy,
urgent (Sauvé et al., 2016). While the Netherlands has
2020). The abovementioned report stands as evidence
already established itself as a ‘frontrunner in the global
that there is a circularity gap in the Netherlands,
race to circularity’, the 2020 Circularity Gap Report of
particularly in the construction industry. It is further
the Netherlands shows that the country is only 24.5%
assumed that this gap also extends to the practice of
circular. The Netherlands is responsible for an annual
architecture.
consumption of 221 million tons of materials, including minerals, fossil fuels, metals, and biomass. A staggering
The reduction of construction waste is a cornerstone
167 million tons are currently not cycled back into
of the circular building sector. The work of David
the economy and become waste. The Circularity Gap
Cheshire is a significant piece of literature outlining
Report puts forward a set of strategies to increase this
how industry professionals and their clients might
number from 24.5% to 70%. Taking cue from the EU,
participate in the movement towards circularity. It
the Netherlands has translated EU guidelines, such
unpacks how the principles of a circular economy
as the EU action plan (2015), into national legislation
could be implemented in the built environment in such
(Circle Economy, 2020). The government of the
a way that resources retain their value by remaining
Netherlands has included ambitious sustainability
in a cycle of use. In so doing, the demand for already
goals into their political agenda to make the Dutch
scarce virgin materials is reduced and the burden on
economy 50% circular by 2030 and 100% circular
fragile ecosystems is lighted (Cheshire, 2016).
by 2050. The Circularity Gap Report recommends interventions in four key sectors to bring about
Cheshire points out five design principles for a circular
meaningful circular change. One of these sectors is
economy in the built environment, namely ‘building in
Advanced Construction Practices. The construction
layers’, ‘designing-out waste’, ‘design for adaptability’,
industry is not only responsible for a considerable
‘design for disassembly’, and ‘selecting materials’
amount of the total energy use but is also one of the
(Chesire, 2016, p. 33). The principle of ‘designing-out
largest producers of waste in the Netherlands, being
waste’ includes several ideas and opportunities for
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
turning waste into a resource. One such idea is the
understanding of circular architecture used in this
reuse of building components and materials (Chesire,
paper which has a focus of principles of ‘designing
2016, p. 47). The process of recovering and reusing
out waste’ by reuse and disassembly. In addition to
materials and building components from existing
establishing a clarification of circular architecture state
structures, called Urban Mining, is becoming a popular
of the art research in the field of circular architecture
technique for reducing waste (Aldebei & Dombi, 2021;
was also of interest.
Blok, 2021; Kazançoglu et al., 2020). In the abstract of a paper published by Jouri Kanters, Once harvested, urban mined materials must be
it states that most literature written up until that
distributed to the site of the new project (Lukkes,
point had focused on ‘either methods for quantifying
2018). To reduce costs and carbon emissions,
the lifecycle analysis of buildings and materials, or
distribution should ideally take place immediately,
on innovative circular building materials, but that
however, due to delays or unknown destinations this
not much is known about the design process of
is not always possible and the mined materials must be
circular buildings and how architects are dealing with
stored. One of the solutions for this issue is material
translating the principles of the circular economy to
banks. These are repositories of valuable materials
the building sector’ (Kanters, 2020).
that have been recovered from the existing urban stock (BAMB, 2018). Architects designing with reused
In practice, many projects are still executed according
materials and components can consult these banks to
to the current design process. One of its main
locate desired elements.
characteristics is the phasing, structured in a total of eight phases (Figure 1) (Archidat Bouwformatie, 2021).
Alternatively,
or
This makes the process easily manageable by the client
demountability, is a waste reduction strategy in which
‘design
for
disassembly’,
and clear for all the actors, who know their role in
materials and components are specifically designed
the current process very well (KOMPASwijzer, n.d.).
to be taken down and reassembled (TU Delft, 2019).
Another characteristic of the current design process
Materials and components can then be reused in other
is that actors such as contractors and suppliers are
projects as individual components or as an entire kit
involved from the final construction phases when the
of parts. The main characteristics of demountable
design is already defined (Voordijk & Vossebeld, 2013)
buildings are the reduced energy use for demolition
(Figure 1).
(Ortlepp et al., 2015), minimal material usage, and lightweight structures (cepezed, 2020). Due to circular architecture being a relatively new, experimental field, it still lacks a universally established definition. The principles and strategies outlined above largely define what circularity in the built environment means today in the Netherlands. This segment of the literature review serves to provide a basis for the
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
Legend
phases of traditional process
timeline
professional involvement
circular material supply
partial involvement
points of interaction with municipality
phase descriptions
Figure 1. Theoretical Framework: The current design process (by author, based on Archidat Bouwformatie, 2021))
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
Circular architecture is characterized by several new building strategies with the goal of closing the circularity gap such as those previously outlined. This paper is based on the hypothesis that changes made to the current design process could accelerate the transition to a circular economy. As a result of the inclusion of circular building strategies, it is expected that people and processes will be affected. Based on the literature studied, the hypothesis is that by accommodating and optimizing changes to the role of the architect, the interdisciplinary relationships, and the phases of the current design process, the acceleration towards a circular building sector could be increased. While Kanters mentions the design process of circular buildings as a research gap, in his own research he merely uses it as a vehicle by which to arrive at a set of ‘barriers and drivers’ that either hinder or aid the transformation towards a circular building sector (Kanters, 2020). While Kanters’ theoretical framework is extensive and provides a detailed understanding of the changing landscape of the architectural profession, as a reader one is still left trying to visualize this new circular design process in practice. Many overlaps were discovered between the goals of this research and that of Kanters’, including certain case studies and scheduled interviews. To avoid repetition the decision was taken to use the work of Kanters as a foundation for further research into the design process of circular architecture. The aim of this research paper is to investigate what changes could be made to the current design process in order to accelerate the transition of building design towards a circular economy by 2030. This investigation is conducted by means of a survey, case studies and interview. The results are organized according to the topics outlined in the hypothesis. The content analysis is followed by a discussion and conclusion.
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
2. Methods This paper draws on a mixed-method approach that
in their projects by the inclusion of circular building
comprises a literature review, a survey, case studies,
strategies. The interview requests were sent via email,
semi-structured interviews, and a content analysis.
however, only two offices were willing to participate.
A comparative analysis is conducted throughout the
These were de Architecten Cie. and cepezed. From de
paper and is used to compare the results of all five
Architecten Cie., Hans Hammink and Andrija Matotan
methods, measuring their differences and similarities
participated and from cepezed, Menno Rubbens was
prior to the discussion and conclusion.
interviewed. The interview with de Architecten Cie. was conducted in person at their offices in Amsterdam
Initially, the literature review is conducted to establish
and the interview with cepezed was conducted online.
a theoretical framework for the current state of the art
Considering the overlap of interviewees with Kanters,
of circularity and the design process. This is followed
it was of interest to include some of Kanters’ findings
by a two-part survey. The goal of Part A is to verify
in the interview questions to see if the architects are
this paper’s earlier claim that there is a circularity
still in agreement one year later. The structure of
gap in the field of architecture, which necessitates
the interviews followed a themed line of questioning
an acceleration to achieve the country’s ambitious
according to the hypothesis with the intention to
circular goals by 2030. This is done by inquiring into the
stimulate a discussion focused on the role of the
current engagement of Dutch architects with circular
architect, the interdisciplinary relationships in the built
building practices and their willingness to embrace
environment, and the intricacies of the professional
change. The goal of part B is to support the prediction
design processes in light of a transition to a circular
that by accommodating changes made to the areas of
economy. Visual content analysis is presented in the
interdisciplinary relationships, role of the architect, and
form of diagrams showing the possible changes to the
phases of the current design process, the acceleration
design process that could accelerate the transition
towards a circular building sector could be increased.
to the circular economy. The results were discussed
Architecture firms across the Netherlands were
and the observations summarized into a final diagram.
invited to participate, and 31 offices took part. The
The methodology of this paper is structured in such a
case study includes two high-profile buildings from
way that the results of all five methods are analyzed
two well-known large Dutch architecture offices. Four
throughout according to three themes a.) facilitating
projects were analyzed in total, providing examples
the inclusion of circular building strategies, b.) soft
of successful circular architecture in the Netherlands.
power and c.) hard power. The hypothesis is addressed
The projects are predominantly analyzed according to
in each theme.
the types of circular interventions used and the data is summarized in a table. Two semi-structured interviews are conducted with the same two architecture offices included in the case studies. Thus, the selection of offices for both the case studies and the interviews is the same: the criterion for selection was offices that are highly regarded for their circular buildings and who consider principles of ‘designing out waste’
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
3. Results In this section, the results of the surveys, case studies, and interviews are discussed. During content analysis, three categories of changes that could be made to the design process to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy are identified. Namely, they are a.) facilitating the inclusion of circular building strategies into the design process, b.) hard power and c.) soft power. From the findings were derived a series of process diagrams with the purpose of visually comprehending the changes to the current design process. The inclusion of circular building strategies refers to those outlined in the introduction as a result of the transition to a circular economy, such as urban mining, reused materials, material banks, and demountability. Hard power refers to the power that the Dutch government has to accelerate the transition to the circular economy. Soft power refers to a collective, enthusiastic outlook on circularity by all parties involved in a project to promote continuous and collaborative participation throughout the project, under the supervision of the architect. In addition, each of these three categories addresses the three subtopics outlined in the hypothesis which predicts that by accommodating changes to interdisciplinary relationships, the role of the architect, and the phases of the current design process, the acceleration towards a circular building sector could be increased.
3.1.1 The Inclusion of Circular Building Strategies and the Role of the Architect The willingness of architects to accommodate circular building strategies into the design process is presented by part A of the survey. Low levels of engagement would confirm the existence of a circularity gap in architecture and that acceleration is necessary to achieve the country’s ambitious circular goals by 2030. This was the initial expectation. However, the results of the survey proved that this was not the case. The sample size of 31 architectural offices included firms of various scales: 32% small offices (1-5 people), 39% medium offices (6-20 people), and 29% large offices (> 20 people) (Figure 2). It is of interest to note that while the survey has included firms of various sizes, the case study and subsequent interviews focus on the large, high-profile offices, de Architekten Cie. and cepezed. 30 of the 31 offices who responded stated that they consider the participation of the building industry in the circular economy essential for the preservation of the planet (Figure 2). The same offices also feel that by 2022 architecture firms should be active participants in the circular economy (Figure 2). 71% of the offices confirm that they currently advertise a circular/ sustainable agenda. 81% have already participated in a design project that made use of reused building components (Figure 2). A correlation between size of office and engagement with circularity can also be seen, with less smaller offices advertising or including circularity in their designs (Figure 2). Keeping in mind that a sample of 31 participants is small, the results of the survey show that a transition to the circular building sector has already begun. Contrary to the paper’s initial expectation, many firms have started using circular building practices in their projects. Despite the unexpected results of the survey, it does not detract from the need to accelerate the transition to the circular economy in architecture.
3.1 Facilitating the Inclusion of Circular Building Strategies As mentioned in the introduction, several circular building strategies such as urban mining, material banks, and demountability have already been developed to aid the transition to the circular economy. The survey aims at understanding if architectural firms predict a change to the design process, due to the incorporation of these circular building practices and whether there is a willingness to embrace this change. It builds on the expectation that these changes will happen in the areas of interdisciplinary relationships, the role of the architect, and the phases of the current design process. The circular materials, presented in a case study, are indicative of new players and relationships in a circular design process. Results from the interview further elaborate on how accommodating circular building strategies in the current design process will accelerate the transition to the circular economy.
The role of the architect is discussed in Part B of the survey. 82% of the consulted offices believe that the transition towards circularity will lead to changes in their role (Figure 3). The main predictions included the architect assuming a central, organizational role (40%), a new role as an advocator of circularity (20%), and a new role as researcher of the state-of-the-art, keeping up with the new materials and techniques (20%) (Figure 4).
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
Do you think that there are any new players in the circular building industry that Which players will be introduced? are rising in importance in the process? Do you think that there are anydesign new players in the circular building industry reusethat materials yes 0,75 are rising in importance in the design process? building regulations 18 no 4materials yes 18 0,75 production of circular Which players will be introduced? existing players change roles 2 no 4 0,083333 reuse materials Total existing players change roles 2 0,083333 building regulations24 In24 which fields will the new players be introduced? Total production of circular materials Do you think that there are any new players in the circular building industry rising importance in the design process? Do you thinkthat thatare there areinany new players in the circular building industry that are rising in importance in the design process?
yes
no
existing players change roles
yes
no
existing players change roles
In which fields will the new players be introduced?
reuse materials
reuse materials
building regulations
production of circular materials
building regulations
production of circular materials
Do you see changes to the role of the architect in the future as a result of shift What are the predictive changes in the role of the architect? toward circular economy architecture? Do you see changes to theinrole of the architect in the future as a result of shift central entity in the process yes 23 toward circular economy in architecture? main decision-maker What are the predictive no 5 changes in the role of the architect? yes 23 architect loses its importance central entity in the28 process total no 5 researcher of new techniques and materials main decision-maker total 28 advocator circular economy architect for loses its importance total researcher of0,821429 new techniques and materials Figure 2. Measuring the engagement of Dutch architecture offices with circular building design advocator for0,821429 circular economy total
What are the predictive changes in the role of the architect?
Do you see changes to the role of the architect in the future as a result of shift toward economy in architecture? Do you see changes to thecircular role of the architect in the future as a result of shift toward circular economy in architecture?
yes
no
yes
no
What are the predictive changes in the role of the architect?
central entity in the process central entity in the process
Figure 3. Survey proportional pie graph
main decision maker main decision maker
Figure 4. Survey proportional pie graph
9
Do you think that there are any new players in the circular building industry that are you rising in importance in the process? Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022 Whichthat players will be introduced? Do think that there are anydesign new players in the circular building industry yes 18 0,75 reuseplayers materials are rising in importance in the design process? Which will be introduced? no 4 building regulations 18 yes 0,75 reuse materials existing players change roles 2 0,083333 production of circular materials no 4 building regulations Total 24 existing players change roles 2 0,083333 production of circular materials Total
24
In which fields will the new players be introduced?
Do you think that there are any new players in the circular building industry rising importance in the design process? Do you thinkthat thatare there areinany new players in the circular building
In which fields will the new players be introduced?
industry that are rising in importance in the design process?
yes
no
existing players change roles
yes
no
existing players change roles
reuse materials reuse materials
building regulations building regulations
production of circular materials production of circular materials
Do you see changes to the role of the architect in the future as a result of shift Figure 5. Survey proportional pie graph Figure 6. Survey proportional pie graph What toward circular economy architecture? Do you see changes to theinrole of the architect in the future as a result of shiftare the predictive changes in the role of the architect? central entity in the process yes 23 What are the predictive changes in the role of the architect? toward circular economy in architecture? main decision-maker no 5 central entity in the process yes 23 architect loses its importance total 28 main decision-maker no 5 Cie. 3.1.2 Interdisciplinary Relationships Resulting from the de Architecten researcher of its new techniques and materials architect loses importance total 28 Inclusion of Circular Building Strategies The Circl Pavilion was designed as a 3350m2 meeting advocator fornew circular economy researcher of techniques and materials total space advocator for circular 0,821429 for economy ABN AMRO, located in the Zuidas district total
In Part B of the survey, the offices were inquired about
0,821429 in Amsterdam and built in 2017. It was the first
their predictions on the changes of the parties that
circular building of de Architekten Cie, and one of
participate in the design process, by including circular
the first fully circular examples in the Netherlands.
Do you see changes to the role of the architect in the future as a result of building strategies. 75% of the architects believe that shift toward circular economy in architecture?
At first, the client, ABN AMRO, was not aiming at
roles of existing players will change, without new
was decided that the pavilion should represent the
additions (Figure 5). The fields in which these parties
client’s sustainability aspirations (de Architekten Cie,
will be added, according to the architectural offices,
2021c). The circular building strategies used are the
are reuse materials (40%) - with the incorporation of
reuse of materials, demountability, and the leasing
material banks, lifecycle mapping agencies, and quality
of elements. The structure has been designed to
assessment for material reuse -, production of circular
allow for future replacements and reuse in case of
materials (40%), and building regulations (20%) (Figure yes no
demolition. The lease of the lifts is also applied, with
What are the predictive changes in the role of the architect?
What are the predictive changes in the role of the architect?
Do you see changes to the role of the architect in the future as a result of new partiesshift will be circular added,economy and 8% believe that the toward in architecture?
6).
yes
circularity. However, after the initial design steps, it
the entity lifts inbeing returned central the process
no
In the following case studies, the type and placement
central in the process tenentity years, allowing
to their manufacturer after main decision maker
decisionto maker for theirmainparts be correctly
of circular materials used in the high-profile projects
reused. All components and materials of the pavilion
of de Architecten Cie. and cepezed are indicative of
have been digitalized in the form of a building passport
these new players and relationships in a circular design
(de Architekten Cie, 2021a), which was developed by
process. From de Architecten Cie., the analyzed
ABN AMRO, CAD&Company, Rendemint, and de
projects are Circl and Fietsflat, and from cepezed, the
Architekten Cie (Bokkinga, 2018). The Circl pavilion
analyzed projects are Greenhouse and Temporary
has become an icon of circularity and, at the same
Courthouse in Amsterdam.
time, the desired kind of project for many new clients.
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
CIRCL Amsterdam, Architekten Cie.
1 entry 2 kitchen 3 rinse kitchen 4 restaurant 5 muliti functional room Figure 7. Circl plan - ground level (by author, based on Architekten Cie (2017))
1. meeting rooms 2. installations 3. storage 4. flight staircase 5. pontry 6. connection to main office Figure 8. Circl plan - floor -1 (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2017))
Legend leasing reused designed to be Figure 9. Circl section (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2017))
reused in future
1. The timber support structure is made from fully dismountable
3. The lifts in Circl have not been purchased, but have been leased
locally sourced Larch wood.
and will return to the manufacturer after ten years.
2. Rejected wooden window frames have been cut into wooden
4. Old jeans of employees and partners of the bank have been
floors and tiled floors were made from reused concrete with added
included in the ceiling as insulating material (16 000)
PCM (phase changing materials) that controls the indoor climate.
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
Fietsflat, a 500m2 bicycle parking project, is still in
Central Station will be fully redeveloped. High-rise
development. The five thousand bicycles parking
buildings are planned to be constructed on the same
will be located on the northern side of the Central
site as the bicycle parking in the future (de Architekten
Station in Eindhoven. The demand for circularity and
Cie, 2021a). Thus, the main circular building strategy
demountability was driven by the fact that, in fifteen
used in this design is demountability. The project
to twenty years, this new bicycle shed will have to be
also includes the reuse of components such as train
removed from its original location, as the area of the
windows, old steel rails, and train floors.
FIETSFLAT Eindhoven, Architekten Cie.
Figure 10. Fietsflat section (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2021b)
Legend fig.10-11 leasing reused designed to reused in future
Figure 11. Fietsflat plan (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2021b)
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
cepezed The Green House, located in Utrecht, near the
the concept of a ‘building as a kit of parts’ (cepezed,
Rabobank headquarters, was completed in 2018. It
2021). The idea is that all the elements of the building
functions as a 680m2 restaurant, urban garden, and
can be dismantled, which leads to the possibility of
meeting space. The project aimed at designing a building
reusing elements and transporting the entire pavilion
constructed for fifteen years of use only. As with the
to another site. The building also applies reuse and
case of Fietsflat, other buildings may be planned for the
recycling of components and materials, harvested
same location in the future. Thus, cepezed works with
from other buildings.
THE GREEN HOUSE Utrecht, cepezed
Legend
1. reused greenhouse roof 2. glass plates from old Knoopkazerne form the facade cladding
leasing
3. reused paving stones in greenhouse
reused
4. biobased wooden floor
designed to reused
5. steel skeleton consists of square grid and is complately remontable
in future
6. floor consists of recycled bricks 7. the green house stands on standard concrete blocks that are reused 8. PV panels provide the pavilion with a large share of the energy requirement 9. the toilet block and the lift are seperate units that are lifted out for new use
Figure 12. The Green House section by author, based ArchDaily (2019)
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
THE GREEN HOUSE Utrecht, cepezed
1. greenhouse 2. meeting room 3. void restaurant 4. greenhouse roof 5. solar panels
Legend leasing reused designed to reused in future Figure 13. Green House plan (by author, based on ArchDaily (2019))
The Temporary Court Amsterdam is 5400m2 and was
Therefore, in this project, reused elements were not
completed in 2016. It was designed to serve the court
largely applied, but new building components were
while the new, permanent building is being built on the
designed to allow demountability. In 2021, after over
original site (cepezed, 2021). Temporary buildings are
five years of use, the building is being dismantled. It is
often thought of as having a lower quality or having an
going to be rebuilt at the Kennispark campus in the city
experimental character. Despite that, the Temporary
of Enschede, the Netherlands (Rijksvastgoedbedrijf,
Court in Amsterdam strives to look permanent, solid,
2021).
and elegant, as it is designed for a national institution. 14
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
TEMPORARY COURTHOUSE Amsterdam, cepezed
Legend leasing reused designed to reused in future
Figure 14. Courthouse plan - ground floor (by author, based on cepezed (2016))
Legend leasing reused designed to reused in future
Figure 15. Courthouse plan - first floor (by author, based on cepezed (2016))
Legend leasing reused designed to reused in future
Figure 16. Courthouse section (by author, based on cepezed (2016))
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
Name of the project
Circl
Fietsflat
Greenhouse
Courthouse
Architects
Cie
Cie
cepezed
cepezed
Client
ABN AMRO
Location
Near ABN AMRO Headquarter, Amsterdam
Central Station, Eindhoven
Function
Meeting space
Bicycle Storage
Planned lifespan Currently build Construction year Surface area Application of leased products Application of re‐ used materials Demountablity
Not indicated Yes 2016 3350m2
15‐20 years No X 5000m2
Restaurant, meeting space 15‐20 years Yes 2018 680m2
Yes
Not stated
Not stated
Not stated
Yes
Yes
Yes
Few
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
ProRail, Geemente Het Rijksvastgoedbedrijf Het Rijksvastgoedbedrijf Eindhoven, Nederlandse (The National Real (The National Real Estate Spoorwegen Estate Agency) Agency) Near Rabobank Headquarter, Utrecht
Plot of Courthouse, Amsterdam Temporary Court house 5 years Yes 2016 5400m2
Figure 17. Case Study Summary Table
This case study summary of high-profile circular
not be the case in a circular model. Considerations
architecture in the Netherlands indicates a strong use
of ‘designing out waste’ and Life Cycle Analysis in
of leased products, reused materials, and demountable
circular projects by the inclusion of reused materials
materials which corresponds with the results of Part B
and demountable components indicate a necessary
of the survey. New parties connected to the supply,
change in the design process. It is crucial to include
production, and assessment of circular materials,
maintenance and demolition as essential process
particularly reused and demountable materials, are
phases in order to aid the transition towards a circular
changes to the current design process that must
economy. By facilitating the inclusion of circular building
be considered in the transition to a circular design
strategies into the system the influence of associated
process. The fluctuating availability of circular materials
professions over the process increases (Figure 18).
does not currently correspond with the rigidity of the
Disciplines that are expected to acquire greater
current design process.
influence are those directly involved with the supply or future supply of circular building materials, such as
3.1.3 Changes to Phases of the Design Process due to
demolition companies, suppliers, and subcontractors
the Inclusion of Circular Building Strategies
according to the interviewees (Hammink & Matotan, interview, 2021; Rubbens, interview, 2021). This is
The inclusion of circular building strategies will need
due to new economic models in which, for example, a
to be acknowledged in the design process (Figure 18).
window manufacturer/supplier would own a window
The current process of architectural production ends
for its entire life span and the client would rent it.
with a certificate of habitation issued to the client
Both interviewees suggested that the inclusion of
on completion of construction. However, this will
such professions earlier in the design process could
16
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
Legend
phases of traditional process
new phases
professional involvement
professions gaining influence
partial involvement
involvement needed earlier in process
timeline
circular material supply
involvement with circular materials
Figure 18. Effects of the inclusion of circular building strategies of the design process phases
aid the transition to a circular economy (Hammink &
regulations, and standardizations for the building
Matotan, interview, 2021; Rubbens, interview, 2021)
industry. Hard power could be increased by external
(Figure 14). This would tender and procurement with
pressures from the EU or internal pressure from
new circular criteria also take place earlier or more
domestic climate change dissatisfaction and protests
frequently in the design process. Rubbens (interview,
(Hammink & Matotan, interview, 2021) (Figure 19).
2021) stated the short-term consulting contracts with subcontractors are their temporary solution to this.
3.2.1 Role of the Architect
Disciplines involved in material quality assessment and building regulations are also expected to gain influence
Hammink & Matotan (interview, 2021) conceded
according to Part B of the survey.
that architects themselves have very little political capital with which to influence hard power and hard
3.2 Hard Power
measures. Only when the municipality is also the client
The consensus among the interviewees was that the
can an architect attempt to influence hard power
government should be taking a more active role in
measures.
the building sector’s transformation. Hard measures refer to government-imposed circular legislation,
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
3.2.2 Interdisciplinary Relationships
3.2.3 Design Process
European Commission has given funding grants
Rubbens (interview, 2021) also mentions that the
to Madaster, an online registry for materials and
issuing of circular building permits could also have
products. According to their website, ownership
a positive effect, particularly for demountable
and control are distributed between various parties
structures. A split permit would allow for the issuing
to guarantee and regulate balanced decision-making
of a site permit separately from a building permit
and implementation (Madaster, 2021). Rubbens
(Figure 19). The structure would obtain a permit to
(interview, 2021) suggested that the government
be built, demounted, and rebuilt. A location change
regulating the supply and quality of reused materials
would require a new site permit which could require
instead of merely funding it or leaving this gap open to
some adjustments due to contextual consideration of
the commercial sector could dramatically speed the
the site (Rubbens, interview, 2021).
transition to a circular economy. This suggests that there is the opportunity for stronger connection and
The changes made to the current design process in
collaboration between authorities and professionals of
the category of hard power have the potential to
the building sector.
streamline and regulate the transition towards a circular economy, making the circular design process more consistent and efficient. A more reliable process allows architects and other professionals to adapt more quickly thereby speeding up the transition.
Legend
phases of traditional process
circular material supply
professional involvement
building permits
partial involvement
govermment / municipal intervention
timeline
Figure 19. Streamlining and regulating the design process by hard power
18
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
3.3 Soft Power
undertaking to which is attached greater financial risk.
All interviewees felt strongly that the cultural mindsets
In Kanters’ article, he discusses his findings as ‘barriers
of professionals of the building sector play a hugely
and drivers’ (Kanters, 2020). When re-interviewing
influential role in the transition towards the circular
the representatives of de Architecten Cie., they
economy. Soft measures refer to tactics used by the
mention that they would not define the difficulties
architect and other professionals to rally collective
currently encountered in the transition towards a
enthusiasm for circularity in a building project.
circular building sector as barriers but rather a state of mind. They suggested that almost all difficulties could
3.3.1 Role of the Architect in Soft Power
significantly be improved by a cultural and societal shift in attitude towards circularity. Rallying an enthusiasm
In his findings, Kanters (2020) mentions that
for circularity in all participating parties at the start of
consultants of reuse have questioned the central
a project is seen as an important accelerator in the
role that architects could play because the role of
transition to a circular economy. Hammink & Matotan
the architect is based on a compromise between
(interview, 2021) referred to this system change
the client’s needs and the plans of the architect.
as ‘soft power’. Kanters (2020) echoes this notion
All interviewed architects strongly disagreed with
by stating that ‘the main driver in the projects had
this comment and felt that the role of the architect
been the conviction of the client to aim for a circular
in a circular design process would be central and
building which resulted either in the right request/
supervisory throughout the process (Figure 20-23).
assignment for the building from the beginning of the
Rubbens (interview, 2021) went so far as to say that
design process or allowed the architect and others in
viewing the client as an obstacle to the transition to
the design team to explore new ways of working, new
a circular building sector is a disservice to both client
products and materials or new business models’.
and architect. An increasing focus on sustainability and circularity 3.3.2 Interdisciplinary Relationships of Soft Power
has created a commercial climate in which sustainable architecture has the potential to influence the
As seen in the case studies, many of the existing high-
‘sustainable corporate image’ of a company. According
profile circular buildings in the Netherlands have been
to Hammink & Matotan (interview, 2021), it is
funded by large corporations and/or municipalities.
common practice for large corporations to employ
The interviewed architects look at the building sector
sustainability experts. The Fietsflat provides an
in the Netherlands as still being very conservative with
uncommon example of this position being executed
a reluctance to operate differently. The financing of
effectively
buildings by large companies is still predominantly
departments are often used as a method to avoid
done in a traditional manner, without considerations
making real changes as they appear to already have
for residual end-of-Life value of materials (Hammink
a circular sustainability agenda (Hammink & Matotan,
& Matotan, interview, 2021; Kanters, 2020). There is
interview, 2021). Hammink & Matotan (interview,
a prioritization of financial risk avoidance, and circular
2021) also stated that in the last three years only 25%
architecture is still perceived as an experimental
of requests for circular buildings were sincere and that
19
(Figure
21).
Corporate
sustainability
Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
it is the genuine circular agendas that are most likely
participation throughout the project in order to
to succeed. The definition of soft power can therefore
obtain the best result for not only the client but for
be extended to a genuine enthusiastic mindset of all
the planet. However, it was observed that certain
participants to foster continuous and collaborative
parties need more convincing than others according
Fietsflat
Circl
Soft Power Triggering Legend The Client Gemeente Eindhoven
name
Subcontractors
No data if party was willing for circular process
name
Parties easy to convince to circular process
Pro Rail Architects
Contractors
Parties hard to convince to circular process
name
name
not chosen yet
Architects Traditional parties not present in the process yet People in key positions activating the party to circularity Connections
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)
Traditional connections ( not specified in this process yet) Connections desired by architects to appear (not traditional) Architects
Suppliers
Sustainability departments of parties Spread of circularity enthusiasm
Architekten Cie.
Demolishion companies
Circl
Figure 20. Fietsflat triggering sort power
Bouwteam
Soft Power Triggering Legend name
Contractor
Structural engineer
Parties hard to convince to circular process
name
No data if party was willing for circular process
name
Parties easy to convince to circular process
Architects
ABN AMRO name
Architects Traditional parties not present in the process yet People in key positions activating the party to circularity Connections Traditional connections ( not specified in this process yet) Connections desired by architects to appear (not traditional)
Advisors Architects
Architekten Cie.
Sustainability departments of parties Spread of circularity enthusiasm
Maintenance Demolishion companies
Figure 21. Circl triggering soft power
20
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
to the interviewees (Hammink & Matotan, interview
on board (Hammink & Matotan, interview, 2021;
2021). It was also observed by all interviewees that
Rubbens, interview, 2021). These can be seen as the
the activation of parties and individuals in key positions
influencers of soft power. Tools such as photographic
can trigger a domino effect in getting other players
renders have proved helpful in getting people on board.
d to ty
Soft Power Triggering Legend
Bouwteam
name
Contractor
Het Rijksvastgoedbedrijf
No data if party was willing for circular process
name
Parties easy to convince to circular process
Architects
Subcontractors
Parties hard to convince to circular process
name
name
Architects Traditional parties not present in the process yet People in key positions activating the party to circularity Connections
[client]
Traditional connections ( not specified in this process yet) Connections desired by architects to appear (not traditional) Architects
Sustainability departments of parties Spread of circularity enthusiasm
Cepezed
Suppliers Operator of circualr restaurant Demolition company
Figure 22. Greenhouse triggering soft power
Bouwteam
Soft Power Triggering Legend name
The Client Cepezed project
Contractor
[contractual client]
Subcontractors
No data if party was willing for circular process
name
Parties easy to convince to circular process
Architects
Cepezed interior
Parties hard to convince to circular process
name
name
[interior architects]
Architects Traditional parties not present in the process yet People in key positions activating the party to circularity
Het Rijksvastgoedbedrijf
Connections Traditional connections ( not specified in this process yet)
[client]
Connections desired by architects to appear (not traditional) Architects
Cepezed
Sustainability departments of parties Spread of circularity enthusiasm
Suppliers
Figure 23. Courthouse triggering soft power
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
Figures 20-23 demonstrate the triggering of soft
3.3.3 Changes to Phases of the Design Process due to
power in each of the four case study projects. The
Soft Power
mobilization of soft power requires a simultaneous transformation in thinking from all parties at the start
The above findings constitute a temporary phase that
of a project.
is only necessary until circularity becomes mainstream in 2030. However, interviewees see the phases of the current system as being too divided to facilitate soft power effectively.
Legend
phases of traditional process
professional involvement
proffesions gaining influence
partial involvement
Influence of architect
timeline
Figure 24. A new temporary design process phase to active soft power
22
new phases
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
4. Discussion The results reveal two types of circular agendas in a
process stay largely the same but how these phases
circular project. There is the political agenda to be
are organized in themselves might change significantly.
50% circular by 2030, and there is the clients’, and by
A shift to ‘design-driven processes’ with the flexible
extension the building team’s agenda to build a circular
inclusion of new actors appears to be the way forward.
building. These two agendas present themselves as two parallel process lines that interact at designated
Due to the current inconsistent availability of circular
moments. Dutch architects view increased political
materials, Menno Rubbens suggests that a circular
interest as necessary to accelerate the transition
building need not be constructed all at once. Deciding
towards a circular economy yet simultaneously
on, and even building certain elements, such as the
require more flexibility and freedom from the design
structure, could allow more freedom for the design
process. While architects have little political capital
of secondary components and new materials, tools or
to greatly mobilize hard power, the interviewees still
more cost-effective tenders become available. (Figure
believe that the architect is the most important party
20). A ‘design-driven process’ could facilitate increased
to mobilize the soft power of a project, link various
moments of interaction between the political and the
parties together, and supervise the implementation
client agendas, triggered by a less divided, less linear
of circular building strategies throughout the process.
sequence of phases. This would simultaneously give
Ultimately what was found is that phases of the design
the municipalities greater opportunity for regulation.
Legend
phases of traditional process
political agenda
professional involvement
government/municipality interventior
partial involvement
sub process for circular materials
client’s agenda
circularity material supply
Figure 25. A new ‘design-driven processes’ to accelerate the transition to the circular economy
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
5. Conclusion The aim of this research paper was to investigate what
with very little political capital with which to influence
changes could be made to the current design process
hard power and hard measures.
in order to accelerate the transition of building design towards a circular economy by 2030. Three categories
The research confirmed the hypothesis that by
of changes were identified a.) facilitating the inclusion
accommodating and optimizing changes to the role of
of circular building strategies into the design process,
the architect, interdisciplinary relationships, and the
b.) hard power and c.) soft power. Each category was
phases of the current design process, the acceleration
addressed in relation to a.) the role of the architect,
towards a circular building sector could be increased.
b.) interdisciplinary relationships and c.) the phases of
Ultimately, the changes that could be made to the
the design process.
current design process in order to accelerate the transition of building design towards a circular economy
Changes made to the phases of the design process
by 2030 can be summarized as simultaneously creating
that will aid the transition towards a circular economy
opportunities for more political regulation as well
include the addition of maintenance and demolition as
as more flexibility in the design process. A shift to a
essential process phases, increased interaction with
‘design-driven process’ could accelerate the transition
authorities due to the concept of a split permit, and
towards a circular economy.
a temporary phase added at the start of the process in which to activate soft power. Most architects who
As demonstrated by state-of-the-art, a shift towards
participated in this research believe that the transition
a circular building sector has already begun as a result
towards circularity will lead to changes in their roles.
of the negative impact that the construction industry
The predominant role of the circular architect will
currently has on the environment. An accelerated
be a central, organizational role as a mobilizer of soft
transition towards a circular economy is necessary
power. Through soft power, the architect has the
to reach the Netherland’s ambitious circularity goals
potential to influence the organization of the design
outlined in the 2020 Circularity Gap Report by 2030
process. The mobilization of soft power requires
and 2050. The findings of this paper built on those
a simultaneous transformation in thinking from all
of Kanters (2020), reinterpreting his set of ‘barriers
parties at the start of a project. The activation of
and drivers’ as a ‘risk culture mindset’ and categories
individuals in key positions by architects is valuable
of accelerating changes. Unlike the work of Kanters,
in the transition to a circular economy. A similar
the results have been visually represented to better
mindset allows for smoother interactions between the
comprehend the evolving circular design process.
parties of a circular project. New parties connected to the supply, production, and assessment of circular
The relevance of this research is the provision of a
materials,
demountable
list of focus areas in which changes could be made to
materials will gain influence in the design process.
streamline and speed up the transition to a circular
Therefore,
the
economy. In addition, it further outlines areas of
architect and these professions are essential for the
participation for architects in the movement towards
acceleration of the circular economy. A missing link
circularity.
between architects and authorities leaves architects
Due to a unique set of circumstances attributed to
particularly effective
reused
and
relationships
between
24
Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
each individual building project, most of the results are unquantifiable and it is merely trends that have been extrapolated through diagrammatic analysis of surveys, case studies, and interviews. Due to the significant role of the architect in the category of soft power compared to hard power, considerably more information was collected on the intricacies of how soft power could be achieved. A clearly recognizable area for future research would be to further investigate how effective hard power could be achieved and whether it could be achieved as quickly as soft power.
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Research in Urbanism and Architecture II 2021-2022
6. References Aldebei, F., & Dombi, M. (2021). Mining the Built Environment: Telling the Story of Urban Mining. Buildings, 11(388).
Madaster. (2021). About us. https://madaster.com/governance-and-ownership/
ArchDaily. (2019). The Green House / architectenbureau cepezed. https://www. archdaily.com/915728/the-green-house-architectenbureau-cepezed
Ortlepp, S., Masou, R., & Ortlepp, R. (2015). Demountable construction for sustainable buildings. Seventh International RILEM Conference on High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC7), July, 441–448.
Archidat Bouwformatie. (2021). Productbrochure 2021.
Rubbens, M. (2021, Oct 12). Personal communication [Online interview].
BAMB. (2018). FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS) BUILDINGS AS MATERIALS BANKS. Buildings As Material Banks. https://www.bamb2020.eu/ post/faq-buildings-as-materials-banks/
Sauvé, S., Bernard, S., & Sloan, P. (2016). Environmental sciences, sustainable development and circular economy: Alternative concepts for trans-disciplinary research. Environmental Development, 17, 48–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. envdev.2015.09.002
Blok, M. (2021). Urban mining and circular construction – what, why and how it works. Metabolic. https://www.metabolic.nl/news/urban-mining-and-circularconstruction/
TU Delft. (2019). REDUCE. https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ceg/about-faculty/ departments/engineering-structures/sections-labs/steel-and-compositestructures/research/research-lines/design-for-reuse/reduce
Bokkinga, D. I. (2018). The influence of a material passport on the value of real estate within the circular built environment. https://pure.tue.nl/ws/portalfiles/ portal/120755980/Bokkinga_.pdf
Voordijk, H., & Vossebeld, N. (2013). Samenwerking tussen bouwbedrijf en toeleverancier: Gepland knuffelen als kritische succesfactor. Versterking van Innovatie: Liber Amicorum Voor Ben Dankbaar, 189–200.
BTIC. (2021). Circulair Ontwerpen voor Gebouwen en Infrastructuur. CBS. (2019). Meeste afval en hergebruik materialen in bouwsector. Centraal Bureau Voor de Statistiek. https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2019/45/meeste-afvalen-hergebruik-materialen-in-bouwsector cepezed. (2016). Temporary Courthouse Amsterdam. cepezed. (2020). Building D(emountable). cepezed. (2021). Projects. https://www.cepezed.nl/en/projects/ Cheshire, D. (2016). Building Revolutions (1st ed.). RIBA Publishing. Circle Economy. (2020). The Circularity Gap Report - The Netherlands. https:// circularity-gap.world/netherlands de Architekten Cie. (2017). Pavillion Circl, Amsterdam. de Architekten Cie. (2021a). Cie. https://www.cie.nl/ de Architekten Cie. (2021b). Circular bicycle parking facility, Eindhoven. de Architekten Cie. (2021c). Lessons in Circularity. de Architekten Cie. Hammink, H., & Matotan, A. (2021, Oct 08). Personal communication [In-person interview]. Kanters, J. (2020). Circular building design: An analysis of barriers and drivers for a circular building sector. Buildings, 10(4), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3390/ BUILDINGS10040077 Kazançoglu, Y., Ada, E., Ozturkoglu, Y., & Ozbiltekin, M. (2020). Analysis of the barriers to urban mining for resource melioration in emerging economies. Resources Policy, 68(February), 101768. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. resourpol.2020.101768 KOMPASwijzer. (n.d.). Voor- en nadelen van de traditionele organisatievorm. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://kompaswijzer.nl/home/kompaslight/wat-zoekt-u/een-architect-voor-uw-ontwerp/voor-en-nadelen-van-detraditionele-organisatievorm/ Koutamanis, A., van Reijn, B., & van Bueren, E. (2018). Urban mining and buildings: A review of possibilities and limitations. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 138(June), 32–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.06.024 Lukkes, D. (2018). Urban Mining As Tool To Stimulate Component Reuse in Architecture. 1–15.
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Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process
7. List of figures Figure 1. Theoretical Framework: The traditional design process (by author, based on Archidat Bouwformatie (2021) and BTIC (2020))
Figure 20. Fietsflat triggering sort power
Figure 2. Measuring the engagement of Dutch architecture offices with circular
Figure 21. Circl triggering soft power
building design Figure 3. Survey proportional pie graph
Figure 22. Greenhouse triggering soft power
Figure 4. Survey proportional pie graph
Figure 23. Courthouse triggering soft power
Figure 5. Survey proportional pie graph
Figure 24. Circular Strategies Process
Figure 6. Survey proportional pie graph
Figure 25. Design - driven processes
Figure 7. Circl plan - ground level (by author, based on Architekten Cie (2017))
Figure 8. Circl plan - floor -1 (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2017))
Figure 9. Circl section (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2017))
Figure 10. Fietsflat section (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2021b)
Figure 11. Fietsflat plan (by author, based on de Architekten Cie (2021b)
Figure 12. The Green House section by author, based ArchDaily (2019)
Figure 13. Green House plan (by author, based on ArchDaily (2019))
Figure 14. Courthouse plan - ground floor (by author, based on cepezed (2016))
Figure 15. Courthouse plan - first floor (by author, based on cepezed (2016))
Figure 16. Courthouse section (by author, based on cepezed (2016))
Figure 17. Case Study Summary Table
Figure 18. Effects of the inclusion of circular building strategies of the design process phases
Figure 19. Hard power
27