The circular economy aims to “keep products, components, and materials at their highest use and value at all times.” It offers a way forward for a society grappling with consumerism and the climate crisis. While the term has evolved from decades of discourse on the limits of economic growth, it has now firmly entered local and national policies. With this shift, architects find themselves in an increasingly critical role, shaping future cities through design decisions that can embed circular principles at their core.

The climate emergency is felt globally, and with the construction industry responsible for 37% of global emissions, architects hold a pivotal position in driving change. They influence material selection, labour practices, and, crucially, the design of spaces that frame the daily lives of millions. To address sustainability meaningfully, the profession must re-examine its own patterns and question its approaches to practice at a fundamental level.

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