Beyond Emergency Towards Circular Design: Building Low Tech

This chapter highlights the implications on the circular economy principles of Low-Tech approach to the building production with reference to available technical literature. These implications are first investigated on a large scale, analysing the potential of Low Tech in policies of Humanitarian Innovation (Sect. 3.1), and then design strategies are addressed, including construction processes which adopt local and unconventional materials. Furthermore, different declinations of circular design are described in regard to design strategies, theories, approaches and principles, in relation to the main circular economy trajectories (Sect. 3.2). Subsequently, experiences and principles concerning reversible building concepts are outlined, addressing the analysis of the notion of reversibility with particular focus on related building process issues (Sect. 3.3). In regard to materials, analysis is provided showing how the notion of “local material” is being extended with respect to its original and more conventional use (Sect. 3.4). An evolution trend is finally drawn, starting from the specifications of humanitarian association guidelines for emergency shelters, up to the use of unconventional materials including temporary buildings in developed countries. The overall aim of the chapter is to show the growing interest in scientific debate for the Low-Tech option as a possible answer to the challenge for a sustainable future within the building sector.