ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the learnings and findings of a two-week programme where students were able to develop methods of research to address the negative impact that intensive extraction of material resource demand has on the environment. Construction waste, material consumption, the increase of greenhouse gas emissions and pollution are at the core of raising awareness for the urgent change from linear into circular practices that will allow the re-use of materials and close the loop. The research reinforces the importance of performing pre-demolition audits not only to identify and assess building materials that can be upcycled but also to understand material flows strategies whilst applying a systems thinking approach. Through case studies, students were able to evaluate the potential value of local buildings, and through material inventories, they were able to re-design the existing and efficiently plan future deconstructions.
