COURSE EPFL
Autumn 2024

Circularity, Materials, Flows
Barbara Lambec

The circular economy consists of maintaining the value of products as long as possible by extending or renewing their service life while minimizing resource depletion, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. The integration of these principles in the construction industry has many facets that often contradict each other. Constantly updating constructive criticism is therefore necessary for the successful development of the circular economy and sustainability.
Each project is the fruit of an intensive, lengthy process, an iteration of concepts, in order to meet the requirements and expectations of the program. Nevertheless, the current spectrum in which we consider every project is, in reality, incomplete with regard to the complexity of material procurement and the control of its impacts.

The course proposes to broaden this spectrum and pay attention to the waste generated by architectural and urban projects, as well as to the resources needed to bring it to fruition.