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

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  • Dominik Pierzchlewicz

    (Doctoral School, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
    Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Apolonia Woźniak

    (Doctoral School, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
    Faculty of Architecture, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominik Pierzchlewicz & Apolonia Woźniak & Barbara Widera, 2025. "Recent Research on Circular Architecture: A Literature Review of 2021–2024 on Circular Strategies in the Built Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-39, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7580-:d:1730700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. St John Walsh & Elizabeth Shotton, 2024. "Integrating Design for Adaptability, Disassembly, and Reuse into Architectural Design Practice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-26, September.
    2. Jan Cudzik & Klaudia Kropisz, 2024. "Assessment of Utilizing Hard-to-Recycle Plastic Waste from the Packaging Sector in Architectural Design—Case Study for Experimental Building Material," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Kunsen Lin & Youcai Zhao & Tingting Zhou & Xiaofeng Gao & Chunbo Zhang & Beijia Huang & Qinyan Shi, 2023. "Applying machine learning to fine classify construction and demolition waste based on deep residual network and knowledge transfer," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(8), pages 8819-8836, August.
    4. Rabia Charef & Jean-Claude Morel & Kambiz Rakhshan, 2021. "Barriers to Implementing the Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-18, November.
    5. Eduardo José Melo Lins & Rachel Perez Palha & Maria do Carmo Martins Sobral & Adolpho Guido de Araújo & Érika Alves Tavares Marques, 2024. "Application of Building Information Modelling in Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Systematic Review and Future Trends Supported by a Conceptual Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-55, October.
    6. Antwi-Afari, Prince & Ng, S. Thomas & Chen, Ji, 2023. "Determining the optimal partition system of a modular building from a circular economy perspective: A multicriteria decision-making process," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    7. Miranda Reed-Grice & Brandon E. Ross, 2024. "Application of the Black–Scholes Financial Model to Support Adaptability as a Sustainability Strategy for Buildings: A Case Study of an Adaptable Campus Parking Garage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-19, March.
    8. Kasun Gomis & Ravindu Kahandawa & Ruchini Senarath Jayasinghe, 2022. "Scientometric Analysis of the Global Scientific Literature on Circularity Indicators in the Construction and Built Environment Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-19, December.
    9. Hamid Movaffaghi & Ibrahim Yitmen, 2023. "Framework for Dynamic Circular Economy in the Building Industry: Integration of Blockchain Technology and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-20, November.
    10. Sivanuja Thirumal & Nilupa Udawatta & Gayani Karunasena & Riyadh Al-Ameri, 2024. "Barriers to Adopting Digital Technologies to Implement Circular Economy Practices in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-25, April.
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    1. Madhavi P. Patil & Anosh Nadeem Butt & Carolina Rigoni & Ashraf M. Salama, 2025. "Integrating Circular Economy Principles into Architectural Design Pedagogy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-31, October.

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