Aligning practices towards a circular economy in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector

Seven transitions in different stages of reconfiguration

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

M.F.M. van Uden (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)

H. Wamelink (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)

EM Van Bueren (TU Delft - Management in the Built Environment)

EWTM Heurkens (TU Delft - Urban Development Management)

Research Group
Design & Construction Management
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2024.2401829
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Design & Construction Management
Issue number
2
Volume number
43
Pages (from-to)
153-174
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Abstract

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector is in need of a transition towards a circular economy. This article offers an analysis of two cases with a wide variation regarding project dynamics in the Netherlands. Alignments and misalignments were analyzed between practices concerning seven design strategies for circular design based on social practice theory and concepts from the multi-level perspective. Results show that many misalignments still hinder the transition, mostly concerning the use of secondary resources, such as notions regarding quality, beauty, and safety among project team members or rapid decision-making processes of the municipality that misalign with the uptake of design with secondary resources. This article offers directions for reconfiguration, such as better tuning between project planning and urban planning and taking up a more flexible stance regarding the function of the building. This research is interesting for practitioners and researchers focusing on the transition towards a circular economy in the AEC sector.