Cards for circularity: Towards circular design in practice
Paper in proceeding, 2020

The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment is crucial to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Theoretical frameworks and methods for circular design have been developed. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge on circular design in practice and how circular design thinking can be supported. This study aims to provide insights on circular design in practice and how this can be supported through circular design methods. First, we reviewed existing circular design methods and developed a card-based circular design
tool. Next, an interactive survey and design workshop using the tool was carried out with 12 design experts to gather knowledge on circular design in practice. Finally, we derive key learnings that can support the development of circular design methods and advancement of CE in practice. Overall, circular design remains highly conceptual and is challenging due to the interconnectedness of parameters and temporal aspects such as product life cycle. Designers need
ways of educating and convincing stakeholders on the value and feasibility of circular design.Advancing the CE in practice requires circular design methods that help to contextualize the design process and reduce complexity, and examples are needed of how CE can be implemented
in practice.

circular design

tool

card-based tool

design workshop

circular economy

Author

Giliam Dokter

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Architectural theory and methods

Anne van Stijn

Delft University of Technology

Liane Thuvander

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Architectural theory and methods

Ulrike Rahe

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Architectural theory and methods

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science

17551307 (ISSN) 17551315 (eISSN)

Vol. 588 1.11-1.14 042043

BEYOND 2020 – World Sustainable Built Environment conference
Gothenburg, Virtual conference, ,

The circular kitchen

HSB Living Lab (457-HSB), 2018-01-01 -- 2021-12-31.

Climate-KIC, 2018-01-01 -- 2021-12-31.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Subject Categories

Civil Engineering

Other Social Sciences

DOI

10.1088/1755-1315/588/4/042043

More information

Latest update

1/4/2021 8