9 October 2024 | Ep. 113 – A circular rethink for construction

In this episode, Michail, Kaveh, and Holger discuss the transformative concept of circular design in the context of Construction 4.0. Circular design focuses on reusing materials to extend their lifespan, reducing waste, and promoting sustainability. Unlike traditional models, which often lead to material disposal, circular design emphasises modular structures and innovative design protocols that allow materials to be reused indefinitely.

The hosts explore how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play a critical role by optimising material use, tracking building components, and predicting maintenance needs. They also discuss the importance of designing buildings for easy disassembly, seismic resilience, and fire protection.

Circular design is not just about environmental sustainability but also addresses economic success and social well-being, incorporating cultural frameworks like Mātauranga Māori. The episode highlights the challenges of integrating new design methods and software systems but emphasises the potential for a more sustainable and resilient future in construction through circular design.