Computational methods for circular design with non-standard materials: Systematic review and future directions


Date

2025

Publication Type

Review Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

Computational design and optimization methods play a crucial role in early stage design by allowing the in corporation of reclaimed components, fostering resource reuse, and minimizing waste. However, to advance the field of computer-aided material reuse and support its integration into circular construction practices, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive overview of the available methods and their applications. We address this gap by conducting a systematic review of the literature on the role of computational design in facilitating the reuse of building elements, followed by analyzing the interrelationships between optimization methods, materials, and geometric dimensions of reclaimed materials. We then synthesize the identified approaches, offering guidelines that assist stakeholders in selecting suitable computational methodologies for integrating non-standard materials into design processes. Our findings highlight current knowledge gaps in algorithm scalability, performance in tegration, and the advancement of hybrid computational methods needed to unlock the full potential of com putational design for a circular built environment.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

Pages / Article No.

14780771251316124

Publisher

SAGE

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Building reuse; Circular economy; Computational design; Literature review; Optimization

Organisational unit

09750 - De Wolf, Catherine / De Wolf, Catherine check_circle

Notes

Funding

205604 - NCCR Digital Fabrication: Innovative Building Processes in Architecture (phase III) (SNF)

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