Recent Research on Circular Architecture: A Literature Review of 2021–2024 on Circular Strategies in the Built Environment

Dominik Pierzchlewicz, Apolonia Woźniak and Barbara Widera ()
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Dominik Pierzchlewicz: Doctoral School, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Apolonia Woźniak: Doctoral School, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Barbara Widera: Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-39

Abstract: The built environment represents a significant portion of global resource consumption and waste generation, underscoring the pressing necessity for innovative circular economy approaches in architecture. This paper presents the findings of a systematic literature review on six critical areas: circular economy, circularity indicators, design for adaptability, design for disassembly, life cycle assessment, and material and component reuse. The analysis revealed the emergent aspects of circular economy practices in architecture, emphasizing the preeminence of life cycle assessment (LCA) and material reuse. However, the authors observe a relative scarcity of focus on design-for-adaptability and circularity indicators, highlighting a gap to be addressed. The findings underline the need for unified assessment tools, supportive regulations, and collaborative frameworks that can enable the full potential of circular architecture. By harnessing innovative reuse strategies from deconstruction projects, the circular economy offers a transformative pathway towards reducing emissions and fostering regenerative practices that can enhance material and component recovery and significantly contribute to decarbonization and the realization of sustainable development goals.

Keywords: circular economy; life cycle assessment; design for adaptability; design for disassembly; circularity indicator; material and component reuse; sustainability; carbon emission reduction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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