Rethinking Lightweight: Exploration of Circular Design Strategies in Temporary Structures

The increasing scarcity of materials in the building industry is the result of many years of exploitation of limited resources. How can our design and construction methods encourage the circular use of materials and components to address this problem? This paper contrasts circular design principles with the design philosophy of lightweight structures to explore their potential for sustainable development. Investigation of these two design concepts reveal the holistic approach in both principles, so that circular design can be derived from lightweight design principles. However, efficient material use as a guiding criterion in lightweight structures alone is not sufficient to implement circular design. Closing material loops can only be achieved by including dismantling and recycling in the design process. This concept is discussed by means of a case study. The research pavilion presented illustrates how rethinking of lightweight structures is possible.