Abstract
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.
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Notes
- 1.
The innovation hubs created by the National Council of Science Museums engage youth in innovative and creative activities. These hubs serve as springboards for new ideas and innovation and thus helping the society and economy to face future challenges and meet the rising aspirations of the growing population.
- 2.
This is a concept highlighted at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 by former UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon who urged the global community to commit to the “Agenda for Humanity” to address the challenges in the humanitarian sector with the aim of preventing and helping reduce human suffering during crises.
- 3.
The STOA project “Technological innovation for humanitarian aid and assistance” was carried out by Capgemini Consulting, at the request of the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA) and managed by the Scientific Foresight Unit within the Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services (EPRS) of the European Parliament.
- 4.
The Project BAMB – Buildings As Material Banks is a consortium of 16 partners from 8 European countries (2015/2019). Coordination: Institut Bruxellois pour la gestion de l’environnement – Brussels Instituut Voor Milieubeheer The project is available on: www.bamb2020.eu
- 5.
“Material passport for building” was introduced in 2003 by Braungart & Mc Donough and further described in 2012by Hansen et al.
- 6.
More information are available on www.humanitariantimber.org.
- 7.
SHSH: is an architecture study composed by Shizuka Hariu and Shin Bogdan Hagiwara. Their mission is divided into three categories, design, consultancy and research, and they are also actively involved in charity activities in relation to natural disaster relief and dyslexia support for children. http://www.shsh.be.
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Antonini, E., Boeri, A., Giglio, F. (2020). Beyond Emergency Towards Circular Design: Building Low Tech. In: Emergency Driven Innovation. Innovation, Technology, and Knowledge Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55969-4_3
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