Design for Rethinking Resources: Proceedings of the UIA World Congress of Architects Copenhagen 2023 (Sustainable Development Goals Series)

The book provides new perspectives from leading researchers accentuating and examining the central role of the built environment in conceiving and implementing multifaceted solutions for the complex challenges of our understanding of planetary resources and circularity, revealing critical potentials for architecture and design to contribute in more informed and long-term ways to the urgent transition of our society. The book offers a compilation of peer-reviewed papers that uniquely connects knowledge broadly across practice and academia; from the newest technologies and methods such as the role of digital modelling, analysis, and fabrication in circular design, i.e. material passports, cyber-physical augmentation, and LCA to the potentials of growing and harvesting biomass materials, engaging waste streams in material production and more, all in context of economic, social, and ecological potentials and consequences. The book is part of a series of six volumes that explore the agency of the built environment in relation to the SDGs through new research conducted by leading researchers. The series is led by editors Mette Ramsgaard Thomsen and Martin Tamke in collaboration with the theme editors: - Design for Climate Adaptation: Billie Faircloth and Maibritt Pedersen Zari - Design for Rethinking Resources: Carlo Ratti and Mette Ramsgaard Thomsen (Eds.) - Design for Resilient Communities: Anna Rubbo and Juan Du (Eds.) - Design for Health: Arif Hasan and Christian Benimana (Eds.) - Design for Inclusivity: Magda Mostafa and Ruth Baumeister (Eds.) - Design for Partnerships for Change: Sandi Hilal and Merve Bedir (Eds.) Scientific Committee General Reporter, Alternate General Reporter Panel Chairs Special Advisors Peer Review Committee Preface Introduction Platform Vision Critical Positions Perspective References Editorial The Weight of Cities Towards a Metabolistic Architecture Consequences of Weight Building Vision on a Global Research Stage Six Questions for Design for Rethinking Resources Conclusions References Contents Post-extractive Visions 1 Upcycled Regionalism: The Aesthetics of Geopolymer Concrete Abstract 1 Challenge I: What can Architecture Do with Modernism’s Waste Products? 2 Challenge II: How to Combine Critical Design with Real-Life Solutions? 3 Challenge III: How to Make Systemic Change Desirable? 4 Conclusion References 2 Post-extractive Material Practice: The Case of Quarried Stone Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Extraction and Natural Stone 3 Post-extraction Ecology 4 Conclusion References 3 Towards a Nature-Inspired Bio-digital Platform Powered by Microbes as a Circular Economy Infrastructure in the Practice of the Built Environment Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Introducing the Microbial Commons 3 Principles of Microbial Economics 4 Introducing the Microbial Fuel Cell 5 State of the Art 6 Bioelectricity for Building Operations 7 Introducing the Bio-digital Realm 8 Living Architecture 9 999 Years 13 m2 (The Future Belongs to Ghosts) 10 Active Living Infrastructure: Controlled Environment (ALICE) 11 Critical Reflections on Near-Future Developments References 4 Place-Based Processing: Industrial Process Architecture for Sumptuous Convivialities Abstract 1 Design Need: Let Go of Industrial Emissions 2 Design Need: Professional Roles and Competencies 3 Design Methods: Process Engineering 4 Design Methods: Process Architecture Acknowledgments References 5 Towards a Bacterially-Induced Textile Architecture Abstract 1 Discussion Acknowledgements References 6 Synthetic Natures Abstract 1 Synthetic Nature 2 Anthropocene 3 Mutants and Monsters 4 Synthetic Natures/New Hybrids 5 What Does that Mean? 6 Green Lung 7 Mutants and Hybrids 8 Future Mutants—Materials 9 Conclusion References 7 Hardware Stories. DIY Practices as More-than-Human Material Activism Abstract 1 A Counternarrative to Sterilization 2 Technification and Standardization 3 “Hardware Stories”: DIY as a Space for Alternatives 4 DIY as Material Activism 5 Closing Paragraphs 5.1 Narrating Alternative Forms of Coexistence: Domestication as “Rewilding” 5.2 Debating About Alternative Worlds Through Material Activism References Localising Resource 8 The Soil of New Culture Studios: A Spring for African Architecture Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Soils Today 3 Local Resources 4 Collaboration and Technologies 5 Nok Culture and Post-Colonial Culture 6 Strange Tongues 7 Conclusion: A New Culture Philosophy References 9 From Traditional (Vernacular) to Contemporary (New) Architecture: A Lesson from Southwest Nigeria Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Study Area 2.1 Nigeria 2.2 The Southwest Zone, Nigeria 2.3 Describing Tradition Architecture in Nigeria 2.3.1 Nigerian Traditional Architecture 2.3.2 Yoruba Settlement Patterns 3 Methodology 4 Case Studies 4.1 Yoruba House Form—Creating Factors 4.2 Materials for Construction in Yoruba House Form of Southwest Nigeria 4.3 Procedures for Construction of Yoruba House 4.4 Building Types 4.5 Compound House 4.5.1 Farm and Tent House 4.5.2 Brazilian House 4.5.3 The House of Adebisi Giwa of Idikan, in Ibadan Nigeria 4.6 Transformation in Yoruba House Form 5 Conclusion References 10 India’s Informal Reuse Ecosystem Towards Circular Construction Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Background 3 Methods 4 Findings 4.1 Activities Carried Out in Informal Reuse Ecosystems 4.2 Interactions Between Formal and Informal Reuse Sectors 4.3 Social and Economic Challenges 4.4 Health and Safety for the Informal Workers 4.5 Technology Integration 4.6 Policies 4.7 Discussion 4.8 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.9 Legal Protection and Financial Inclusion 4.9.1 Training and Awareness 5 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 11 Making a Beam Social—In Search of a Localised Production Paradigm Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Concept and Method 2.1 Beam Concept 3 Gathering Artefacts: In Theory and Practice 4 Archiving 5 Grading 6 Fabrication 7 Assembly 8 Results 9 Material Yield 10 Discussion 11 Conclusions Acknowledgements References 12 Babassu Coconut Fibre-Reinforced Natural Rubber Biocomposite for Fabrication and Use in Remote Locations Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Background 2.1 Babassu 2.2 Natural Rubber Composites 3 Babassu Fibre-Reinforced Natural Rubber Composite 3.1 Materials 3.2 Methods 4 Testing 5 Results and Discussions 5.1 Tear Strength 6 Conclusions and Next Steps Acknowledgements References 13 The Scope of Egg Waste Use in the Built-Up Environment: A Study on the Viability of Eggshell Waste as an Organic Building Material Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Methodology 2.1 Collection of Eggshell Data 2.2 Eggshell Morphology 3 Current Scenario for Waste Disposal 4 Connecting the Study to the Relevant Sustainable Development Goals 4.1 Sustainable Development Goal 11 4.2 Sustainable Development Goal 12 4.3 Sustainable Development Goal 13 4.4 Eggshell Waste Usage 5 Results 6 Discussions 7 Conclusion References Heritage to High-Tech 14 Bricolage Sustainability: Addressing the Fundamental Misalignment Between Environmentalism and Patronage-Based Practice Abstract 1 Bricolage: From Metaphor to Concept 2 Patterns of Practice 3 Bricolage Architecture: Three Case Studies 3.1 Control: Mansarovar Park Development (2018) 3.2 Case Study: Demountable Schools for Mumbai Mobile Creches (2008) 3.3 Case Study: An Outdoor Classroom and Community Garden in Philadelphia (2011) 3.4 Case Study: A Community Event and Makerspace in South Africa (2019) 4 Conclusion References 15 Leaving No Maker Behind: Cultures of Tile Vault Making for Situated Design Abstract 1 Introduction: On Withoutcisim in Architectural Praxis 2 Methodology: Building in Conversation 3 Results: Four Case Studies of Tile Vault Experiments 3.1 Fabricarte: Altering Sequences for Shells Manufacturing 3.2 Bending Parabolas 3.3 La Hoja: Swapping Roles 3.4 Las Cuevas: Digital Modelling for Site Uncertainty 4 Discussion: From Withoutcisim to the Architecture Relational Agency Acknowledgements References 16 Re-use in Danish Vernacular Architecture: Examples and Their Future Versatility Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Objective and Methods 2.2 Literature Review: Focusing the Empiricism 2.3 Case Study I: Trine’s House (Stevns, Sydsjælland) 2.4 Case Study II: Abeline’s Farm (Hvide Sande, Jylland) 3 Results 3.1 Findings of the Case Studies: Re-use in Preindustrial Vernacular Buildings 3.2 Findings of the Discussion: Future Versatility of Preindustrial Vernacular Re-use 4 Discussion and Conclusion 4.1 Discussion 4.2 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 17 (Re)making the Haubarg—Towards Sustainable Dwelling on a Bounded Earth Abstract 1 Introduction 1.1 Background 1.2 Research Question 2 Materials and Methods 3 Results and Analysis 3.1 Cultural-Historical Qualities 3.2 Experiential Effects 3.3 Technical Properties 3.4 (Re)making the Haubarg 4 Discussion and Conclusion Acknowledgements References 18 High-Tech Meets Low-Tech Abstract 1 High-Tech Meets Low-Tech 2 Bricolla: A Case Study 3 Context, Impact, and Perspective References 19 Learning from Vernacular Architecture: The Essence of Remakri Area in Bangladesh Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Methodology 3 Vernacular and Critical Regionalism 4 Topography and Climatic Context in Bangladesh 5 Typologies in House Form: Bangladesh 5.1 Plain Land 5.1.1 Analysis 5.2 Terrace Land 5.2.1 Analysis 5.3 Hilly Area 5.3.1 Analysis 6 Materials and Transportation 7 Case Study: Umubano Primary School, Rawanda 7.1 Site Location 7.2 Thanchi 7.3 Remakri 7.4 Site Analysis 7.5 Existing Building Form Study 8 Inclusive of Politics 9 Conclusion References 20 Ancestral Earthen Construction Techniques Updated to the Needs of the People in the Central Andes of Peru, an Experience of Research and Training of Architecture Students Based on Community Service Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Materials and Methods 3 Construction of Molded Earth Bricks 4 Construction with Packed Earth 5 Earth Walls on Wooden Structures 6 Compacted Earth Walls 7 Discussion and Conclusions References 21 Plektonik—Active Yarns for Adaptive Loop-Based Material Systems Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Results and Discussion 3 Conclusion Acknowledgements References Fabrication Futures 22 Structural Performance-Based 3D Concrete Printing for an Efficient Concrete Beam Abstract 1 Printing Better with Less 2 Non-Horizontal 3D Concrete Printing 3 Material and Robotic 3DCP System 4 Digital Design of Beam Structure and Toolpath 4.1 Multi-Material Topology Optimization 4.2 Post-Design Process 5 Fabrication of the Prototype 6 Discussion and Future Work 6.1 Result 6.2 Challenges in Practical Applications 6.3 A Shift in 3DCP 6.4 Workflow 6.5 More In-Situ Material to Explore 7 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 23 Integrated Design Models for Materially Differentiated Knitted Textile Membranes as the Means to Sustainable Material Culture Within Membrane Architecture Abstract 1 Introduction 1.1 The Scarcity of Resources Incites the Rethinking of Material-Making Culture 1.3 Future Architectural Material Culture of Functionally Graded Materials 2 Textile Simulation Practices and Modelling of FGMs 2.1 Simulation in Membrane Design—FEM and Engineering Software 2.2 Homogeneous Boundary Models Versus Material Heterogeneous Models 2.3 Challenges of Using Homogeneous Models When Designing Heterogeneous Materials 2.4 Digital Design Chain Paradigm for Knits—Integrated Digital Design, Analysis, Simulation and Fabrication 2.5 Environments for Differentiated Simulation of Graded Knits 3 Extension of Design Models for Materially Differentiated Textile Membranes 3.1 Graded Knitted Ceiling—Design Case for Testing Digital Tools 3.2 Workflow Extension by Introducing Two-Stage Simulation 4 Finding 1. Structurally Informed Material Differentiation for Digital Manufacturing 4.2 Structural Evaluation 5 Finding 2. Structurally Informed Material Differentiation for Heterogeneous Simulation—Calibration Through Physical Prototyping with Homogeneous Membranes 5.2 Stiffness Values Discoveries 5.3 Calibration of the Heterogeneous Model 6 Conclusion References 24 A Method for Designing with Deadwood for Architectural Acoustics Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Material Characterisation 3 Material and Medium 4 Investigation 5 Methods and Materials 6 Material Studies 7 Material Acoustic Studies 8 Computational Studies 9 Prototype Experiments 10 Room Acoustic Measurement Studies 11 Results 12 Discussion 13 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 25 Cap Ceilings Revisited: A Fabrication Future for a Material-Efficient Historic Ceiling System Abstract 1 Introduction 1.1 Rethinking Geometry and Function of Structural Elements 1.2 A Look Back: Constructive Diversity 1.3 A Look Ahead: Digital Transformations of a Traditional Form 2 Background 2.1 Embodied Carbon in Context 2.2 Current Research Environmental Impact of Masonry Ceilings 3 Methodology 3.1 Brief History and Constructive Features of the Cap Ceiling 3.2 Macro-Level: A Circular Baseline Design Concept for a Modern Cap Ceiling 3.3 Comparative LCA-Study for Ceiling Systems 3.4 Component-Level: Structural Analysis and Grider Design 3.5 Component-Level: Acoustic Bricks 3.6 Process-Level: Additive Manufacturing 4 Case-Study: Demonstrators for Pop-Up Campus 4.1 Robotic Fabrication 5 Design and Prototyping of the Physical Environment—Demonstrator #1 6 Robotic Programming and Experimental Implementation 6.1 Demonstrator #2—Classic Fabrication 7 Conclusion & Discussion References 26 RE:Thinking Timber Architecture. Enhancing Design and Construction Circularity Through Material Digital Twin Abstract 1 Introduction 1.1 Motivation 1.2 Background 1.3 Research Aim 2 Methodology 2.1 Material Digital Twin 2.2 Computational Design and Circularity 2.3 Robotic Fabrication and Material Identification 2.4 MR-Aided Human–Robot Assembly 3 Results 4 Conclusions 5 Project Links Acknowledgements References 27 Printsugi: Matter as Met, Matter as Printed. Leveraging Computational Design Tools for a More Virtuous Material Extraction and End-of-Life Abstract 2 Background. Strategies for Lowering the Impact of Construction 3 Method Part 1. Leveraging Life-Cycle Visualization for a More Virtuous Design Process 4 Method Part 2. The Printsugi Matter as Met Fabrication Process 5 Results and Discussion. The Rock Tower Prototype: Less Transport, Less Manufacturing, Less Carbon 6 Conclusion. Sustainable, Easy, Beautiful... Radical Acknowledgements References 28 Computationally Enabled Material Management—Learning from Three Robotically Fabricated Demonstrators Abstract 1 Introduction 2 State of the Art 2.1 Method and Computational Framework 3 Three Timber Demonstrators 3.1 The Robotic Fabrication Setup 3.2 Timber Material 3.3 What is Waste? 3.4 Bicycle Shed 3.5 Greenery 3.6 Olaf Ryes Gade 6 4 Discussion 5 Conclusion 5.1 Future Work References 29 Comparative Experiment on Adaptive Reuse of Wood Stud Partition Walls: Integrating the DfD Concept into Building Component Design Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Literature Review 3 Methods 3.1 Experimental Setup 3.2 Materials 3.3 Experiments 3.3.1 Group A—Conventional Construction 3.3.2 Group B—DfD Construction 4 Results and Analysis 4.1 Comparison of the Process Complexity 4.2 Comparison of Material Consumption and Waste Generation 4.3 Comparison of Project Quality 5 Discussion 6 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 30 Research on 3D Printing Craft for Flexible Mass Customization: The Case of Chengdu Agricultural Expo Center Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Background and Overview 3 Large-Scale Mass Customization 3D Printing Methodology 3.1 Design-to-Fabrication Workflow Based on FUROBOT Platform 3.2 Robotic 3D Printing Hardware System and Material 3.3 Fabrication Optimization of More Than 4000 Single-Layer Panels 4 Construction Practices 4.1 Flexible Construction System of Prefabricated 3D Printed Roof 4.2 Panel Division System and Construction Process 5 Discussion 5.1 The Feasibility of Large-Scale Mass Customization 3D Printing Craft 5.2 The Limitation 6 Conclusion References Restarting from Renewables 31 Prototyping Thatched Facades—Global Scaling of Local Knowledge Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Prototyping at the Construction Site 3 Prefabricated Façade Elements 4 Sketching Thatched Masonry 5 Conclusions 6 Perspectives Acknowledgements References 32 InterTwig—Willow and Earth Composites for Digital Circular Construction Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Material Selection 2.1.1 Willow 2.1.2 Earth 2.1.3 Earth and Willow Composite 2.2 Fabrication and Geometrical Strategy 2.2.1 Additive Willow Fabrication 2.2.2 Earth Casting 2.2.3 Digital Fabrication Development 2.3 Component Design 2.4 Material Characterisation 3 Results 4 Discussion and Conclusions Acknowledgements References 33 A Study on Carbon-Neutral Biochar-Cementitious Composites Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Literature Review 2.1 Sustainable Concrete Amendments 2.2 Biochar-Cementitious Composites 2.3 Biochar in Architectural Composites 3 Materials and Methods 3.1 Research Methodology 3.2 Carbon Sequestering Biochar Cementitious Composites 3.2.1 Material System: Ingredients 3.3 Material System: Grades 3.3.1 Material Testing 4 Results 4.1 Observations 4.2 Tensile Strength 4.3 Compressive Strength 4.4 Net Embodied Carbon 5 Discussion and Conclusions References 34 Irregular Architecture: The Possibility of Systems Thinking for Bamboo Architecture Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Translating the Traditional Use of Bamboo 3 Standardization 4 Irregular Architecture 5 Conclusion References 35 Fermented Weaves—A Visual Record of Design Enquiry Abstract 1 Introduction Acknowledgements References 36 Regenerative Material-Human Ecologies: Investigating Mycelium for Living and Decentralized Architectures in Rwanda Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Materials and Methods 3 Results: Translating Prototyping Outcomes to Full-Scale Building Investigations 4 Discussion and Conclusions Acknowledgement References 37 Production of Thermoplastic Starch Pellets and Their Robotic Deposition for Biodegradable Non-standard Formworks Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Biopolymers 2.1 Polylactic Acid (PLA) 2.2 Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) 3 Materials and Methods 3.1 State of the Research 3.1.1 Bio-based Materials for 3D Printing 3.1.2 3D Formwork 3.2 Preliminary Studies 3.3 TPS Pellet Production Process 3.3.1 Casting and Blending 3.3.2 Extrusion and Direct Slicing 3.3.3 Extrusion and Filament Cutting 3.4 Print Setup 3.4.1 Robotic Setup 3.4.2 End Effector 4 Results 4.1 Printing Results 4.2 Material Results 4.3 Formwork Tests 5 Discussion and Conclusion 5.1 Architectural Application and Use Case 5.2 Further Research References 38 MYCOlullose: Fabricating Biohybrid Material System with Mycelium-Based Composites and Bacterial Cellulose Abstract 1 Introduction 1.1 What are Mycelium-Based Composites? 1.2 What is Bacterial Cellulose? 1.3 Mycelium-Bacterial Cellulose Biohybrid 1.4 Challenges and Opportunities for Biohybridity 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Biological Compatibility and Species Selection 2.2 Production of Mycelium-Based Composite 2.3 Production of SCOBY Aka BC 2.4 Biomaterial System Assemblage: Experiment 1 and 2: Materials State and Assembly 2.5 Experiment 3A: Cotton Fabric Fabrication 2.6 Experiment 3B: Bacterial Cellulose Fabrication 3 Results 3.1 Experiment 1 and 2: Materials State and Assembly 3.2 Experiment 3A: Cotton Fabric Fabrication 3.3 Experiment 3B: Bacterial Cellulose Fabrication 4 Discussion 5 Conclusions Authors Contributions References 39 Water Resources Management in a Regenerative Design Approach Abstract 1 Introduction 3 Results 3.1 Regenerative Design and Circularity 3.2 UN SDGs and Specific Goals 3.3 KPIs 3.4 The Regenerative Strategic Implementation Model 3.5 Model Testing Phase 4 Concluding Remarks References The Value of Waste 40 Extending the Circular Design Framework for Bio-Based Materials: Reconsidering Cascading and Agency Through the Case of Biopolymer Composites Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Circular Design in Architecture and the Built Environment 2.1 Understanding Practice Through the Lens of the Circular Design Cascades 2.2 Arguing for the “Biosphere”-Side of the Butterfly Diagram 3 Bio-Based Materials for Architecture 3.1 Xanthan Gum Bio-Composites for Self-Supporting Building Blocks 3.2 Collagen Glue Bio-Composites for Building Panels 4 Circularity with Architectural Biopolymer Composites 4.1 Biopolymer Composites: Specific Cascade Thinking at Material Scale 4.2 Biopolymer Elements: Specific Cascade Thinking at Architectural Scale 4.2.1 Retain Scenario: Thicken 4.2.2 Refit Scenario: Reprint 4.2.3 Refurbish Scenario: Prefabricate Add-Ons 4.2.4 Reclaim/Reuse Scenario: Shred 4.2.5 Remanufacture Scenario: Decomposition 4.2.6 Return Scenario: Biodegrade 5 Discussion and Conclusions References 41 Sustainable (Re)Development in Post Industrial City Regions Centering Circular Systems of Food, Energy, Water, and Waste: A Case for Detroit Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Methods 2.1 Multiscalar FEW System Mapping 2.2 FEW Material Flows and Interactions: Visualizations in the Detroit Context 2.3 FEW Actor-Network Mapping 2.4 FEW Design Toolkit and Techniques for Design Engagement 3 Results and Discussion 3.1 Detroit as a Living Lab: Local Stakeholders 3.2 Design Proposal Development, Evaluation, and Implementation of FEW Principles 3.3 Oakland Avenue Urban Farm Proposal 3.4 RecoveryPark Proposal 4 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 42 Can Digital Matchmaking Boost Circular Construction? Lessons from Reusing the Glass of Centre Pompidou Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Transitioning to Circular Construction 3 Use Digital Technologies for More Efficient Matchmaking 4 Collaborate and Be Critical Acknowledgements References 43 Tak for Sidst: A Field Study of Demolition in Denmark Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Method 3 Results 4 Discussion References 44 Enhanced Databases on City’s Building Material Stock. An Urban Mining Method Based on Machine Learning for Enabling Building’s Materials Reuse Strategies Abstract 1 Introduction 2.1 Collection 2.2 Training 2.3 Interface 3 Results 4 Conclusions References 45 Post Rock: From Designing a Building Material to Designing a Business Ecosystem Abstract 1 Introduction: Building Material Paradigms 2 Design Experiment to Designing a Product 3 Evidence-Based Entrepreneurship 4 Applying Feedback Between Field and Lab 5 Lessons on Building Circular Ecosystems 6 Conclusion References 46 Circular Economy Principles as Obstacles to Creativity?—A Study of Architects’ Expectations of Challenges and Opportunities Abstract 1 Introduction 2 Background 2.1 The Circular Economy and Architecture 2.2 Creativity 2.3 Creativity Within a Circular Economy 3 Method 3.1 Research Design 3.2 Participant Selection 3.3 Interviews 4 Results 4.1 Challenges of Implementing CE Principles in Designs 5 Discussion and Conclusion References