Reversible Skins: Building Envelopes Beyond Time and Destruction

This thesis explores the integration of Circular Economy (CE) principles into architectural design, with a particular focus on Design for Disassembly (DfD), circularity metrics, and the development of innovative façade systems. By addressing both the technical and systemic dimensions of circularity, the research aims to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing sustainable practices in the built environment. The study begins by tracing the historical roots of circularity, highlighting how pre-industrial societies naturally embraced practices of resource reuse, adaptability, and longevity. It examines the impact of industrialisation and consumerism, which shifted the architectural paradigm toward disposability and waste, emphasising the need to revisit these foundational principles in contemporary design. Using this historical perspective, the research builds a case for embedding circularity into modern architectural practices. Central to the thesis is the development and application of circularity metrics, including the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) and the Level(s) framework. These tools are employed to assess and optimise circularity across various material hierarchies and design scales. The research introduces a hierarchical design approach that aligns structural decomposition with cost decomposition, allowing for strategic prioritisation of high-impact materials and assemblies. This methodology enables architects to balance environmental objectives with economic feasibility, addressing one of the critical barriers to circularity adoption. A significant contribution of this research is the design of a polygonal façade system inspired by the mathematical and modular tiling systems of Islamic architecture. The system combines high disassembly potential with spatial adaptability, demonstrating how historical design principles can inform modern solutions. Its compatibility with digital tools, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), highlights its potential for real-world scalability and application. The findings of this thesis also highlight the importance of systemic change in achieving circularity. While the tools and methodologies to implement circularity exist, their impact is limited by fragmented supply chains, insufficient material recovery systems, and a lack of market incentives for reclaimed materials. The research calls for a shift from micro-scale technical solutions to macro-scale systemic integration, including policy alignment, industry collaboration, and the development of digital frameworks to support circular supply chains. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the field of sustainable architecture by providing both theoretical insights and practical tools for embedding CE principles into design processes. It argues that circularity is not just a technical challenge but a cultural and systemic one, requiring a re-definition of architectural paradigms. By rediscovering and adapting the wisdom of historical practices, this research offers a pathway to a future where architecture balances sustainability, adaptability, and aesthetic richness. The work positions circularity not as an abstract ideal but as a viable, impactful approach to shaping the built environment in harmony with both historical precedent and future aspirations.