In the construction industry, innovation plays a crucial role in addressing sustainability challenges. As part of the Reincarnate project, ten groundbreaking innovations are being developed to advance circular construction practices. The Innovation Series highlights these pioneering solutions and the experts driving them forward.
In this episode, Begüm Aktaş, a researcher at Technische Universität Berlin(TUB) shares insights into the Architectural Design Methods – an innovative approach focused on integrating parametric design tools, which are essential in architectural and engineering workflows. By doing so, professionals can design buildings using pre-used products, such as secondary building materials, making circular economy principles in the construction industry more accessible and impactful.
Watch Begum’s video on Architectural Design Method: A Reincarnate Innovation
Brief Description of the Innovation and its Role in the Reincarnate Project
The Architectural Design Methods is a key part of the Reincarnate project, concentrating on the integration of parametric design tools. These tools, commonly used by architects and engineers, optimize designs by directly connecting to a marketplace, enhancing the use of reused and recycled components in both new construction and renovation projects.
As part of this research, a dynamic script has been developed that works seamlessly within the main design environment. This tool automatically matches available building components and materials with items listed in a hypothetical marketplace, simplifying the entire process.
Specific Challenges in Construction and Demolition (C&D) That the Innovation Aims to Solve
The innovation aims to reduce construction and demolition waste while increasing the use of recycled and reused materials in both new buildings and renovation projects. To achieve this, parametric Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools have been integrated into the design process, allowing architects and engineers to connect to a secondary marketplace from the very beginning.
This integration facilitates better waste management, extends the lifecycle of building materials, and supports circular economic principles, aligning with the Reincarnate project’s mission to promote sustainability in the construction sector.
What Inspired the Development of the Innovation and How It Evolved
The development of the Architectural Design Methods was inspired by a private research project, Tiny House, in which TUB was involved. As part of that research, a parametric modeling tool was created to incorporate renovation components made from recycled materials and reusable construction products.
Building on that experience, this parametric design tool was further developed specifically for the reuse of building parts, components, and recycled materials, making it easier to incorporate sustainability into architectural and engineering practices.
The Stage of Development of the Innovation and Next Steps
Currently, the Architectural Design Method is in the testing phase, which is an important step in its development. It is being tested through demonstration cases, starting with the Tiny House project and later expanding to the Kathreiner-Haus in Berlin.
These tests have provided valuable insights, allowing the refinement and improvement of the tool’s functionality. So far, the results have demonstrated significant flexibility in circular construction applications, reinforcing confidence in its potential to make a real impact.
A Step Toward Sustainable Construction
The Architectural Design Methods represents a significant advancement in the Reincarnate project’s efforts to make construction and demolition practices more sustainable. By streamlining the reuse of materials, optimizing design workflows, and integrating marketplace connectivity, this innovation allows architects and engineers to effectively apply circular economy principles to their projects.
Watch Begum’s video on Architectural Design Method: A Reincarnate Innovation
Stay tuned as the Reincarnate Innovation Series continues to showcase transformative ideas shaping the future of the built environment.