Circular economy and architectural heritage
form and function. A term that accompanies some definitions belonging to architecture, but more terms are needed to summarize the practice in 2023. Architecture today involves understanding the cycles of materials and how each action relates to the extraction of natural resources and damage to the environment. We urgently need to rethink how we create constructed spaces. In this search for models that move away from linear systems and provide the constant process of transformation and redistribution of matter, circular economy emerge as possible avenues. Application to architectural heritage for maintenance and restoration can drive the necessary changes towards a more sustainable society.
Heritage-listed buildings are of fundamental importance to the urban landscape. While not necessarily a city landmark, it is certainly a space that reflects the cultural and historical features that help define the community. Renovating or re-adapting these spaces is a way to reclassify urban areas and save important memories. In addition, we set opportunities to integrate environmental benefits throughout our surroundings, where possible to promote sustainable interventions.
The Brazilian office continues to work on the circularity of materials (recycle and avoid using new materials). Ruina ArchiteturaBy proposing reuse as an alternative to the civil engineering and construction industry, Julia Peres and Victoria Braga called for action as professionals to raise awareness of the social environment and appreciate materials. They create new possibilities for reclaimed materials, reduce the amount of demolition waste and provide building materials with less environmental impact.and interview Done last year, they reminded us:
(…) There is a very interesting and necessary idea that cities constitute so-called “urban mines”. Cities provide all the material resources necessary for their own constant renewal without the need for architecture to rely on linear models. Extraction of natural resources.
Reforming or adapting the use of cultural heritage projects should always reflect the needs of the community. Today, reducing the extraction of materials from the environment is the main banner of the circular economy in terms of civil construction. It directly affects the way we live in the world.
Considering material circularity when intervening in urban heritage means building the future on what was created in the past. In this way, work is extended beyond the project itself, enhancing the character of the area by integrating recycled materials and known technologies, instead of choosing new ones that require expenditure of natural resources. The meaning of the common good is magnified by its contribution to the economic and social development of the area in which it resides.
In this case, not adopting new materials does not reduce the quality of innovation in the project. Intervening in cultural heritage buildings requires an interdisciplinary approach that solves several layers of the program in intertwining different disciplines and proposes new spatial experiences. Thereby, the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and their elements constitutes sustainable urban development.
There are many ways to work on circularity and contribute to the project. You can reduce the environmental impact of a building’s life cycle or influence the entire chain of operations, products and building use. Each heritage is unique and deeply rooted in its culture and community, making universal solutions impossible. However, you can always find ways to adapt them to your context.
early design sustainability Decision
Circularity always drives us towards using clean energy. To this end, replacing non-renewable energy supplies with renewable means is a necessary first step.under consideration passive comfort How and how water is reused or recovered is also important to an efficient final framework. In the climate volatility caused by the current crisis, it is worth anticipating flexible ways of addressing the risk of flooding and the thermal comfort of buildings against extreme heat and cold. Expanding is a great strategy for maintaining a more comfortable microclimate.
For renovations, minimize or eliminate the need to build spaces that require new materials. This allows the environment to be less shared and more functional. A table containing material and technology choices to list the emissions incorporated, how resources are produced, and means of avoiding waste, in order to better consider the environmental impacts of the project helps explain the overall project steps.
Selection of construction materials
Choosing sustainable bio-based materials — like wood FSC labelFor example, biomass can return to natural resource inventories over time, so set a high-level circular strategy.
Yet another alternative is the use of deconstructed, recycled or re-adapted materials. Recall that the closer the materials or resources used are to the construction site, the lower the economic and environmental costs of transportation and logistics.
Notes on construction
Respecting context is one of the best ways to avoid waste. We need to know how to limit interference with natural habitats, such as earth movement and tree felling. After all, maintaining or improving green spaces is essential for the surrounding ecosystem.
Attention to traditional techniques such as local construction, along with materials easily found in the area, can provide important clues for buildings better suited to climate, terrain and labor. It also facilitates future public identification of the work.
Thinking about how to use space and community
After a project is completed, its circularity depends on the use people give it and the tools provided for that purpose. In addition to water reuse technologies and highly efficient energy systems, facilities that facilitate the reuse and recycling of waste should be introduced and encouraged (not just separating metal and plastic products for recycling). , it is also possible to make compost and distribute fertilizer to the community). The collective factor is also fundamental to creating strong connections between people and spaces. Moreover, the more space is shared and the less individualized, the lower the energy consumption.
Other key strategies include insisting to authorities that easy access to public transport is guaranteed, not using fossil fuels (e.g. bike lanes), and incorporating and offering green space experiences. and create a social sense of belonging to the place. May include vegetable gardens and edible plants.
Do you need dismantling? recycling!
As Our partner at RUÍNA Arquitetura reminds us“On-site re-use of demolition materials is an example of what it means to work at the smallest local scale. The change in whether re-use of materials and demolition waste should be considered for each small or medium-sized renovation?”
Therefore, it is always worthwhile to evaluate materials conversion and adaptive reuse options and try different ways to recycle them. Additionally, choosing demolition to utilize elements such as doors and windows is a great option to avoid complete demolition and material loss.
Finally, there is the adage that circularity starts with materials and extends to people. It is a cycle of both nature and culture. All the benefits of a sustainable and cyclical treatment of our architectural heritage apply to construction, influencing how design and society use it. It reflects desires and shows concern for the future of all beings (human and non-human) on Earth.
This article is part of the ArchDaily topic. circular economyThrough articles, interviews, news and architectural projects, we delve into one topic each month. Learn more about. Our ArchDaily TopicsAnd as always, ArchDaily welcomes reader contributions. If you would like to submit an article or project, inquiry.