Accelerating the Circular Building Transition: Necessary Changes in the Design Process

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

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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.

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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

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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