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Material Flows: Facilitating Reuse

Part 2 Project 2024
Charlotte Wesselmann
Architectural Association London | UK
Material Flows: Facilitating Reuse is an analysis and critique of the Whole Life Cycle Assessments of materials at different scales, with a specific emphasis on structural steel. Over two years, I studied material supply and waste chains, and advocated for reuse through the student-led initiative AA Material Arcade. My research included visits to construction sites and salvage yards and several interviews with industry stakeholders. The work introduces a comprehensive guidebook designed to help all actors in the steel supply chain make incremental adjustments to their traditional linear workflows, thereby facilitating a circular transition and positively impacting reclamation and reuse rates. It serves as a practical tool for architects, engineers, and contractors, aiming to promote sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of the building industry.

By focusing on the reuse of structural steel, the project demonstrates how small adjustments to business-as-usual practices can significantly influence a successful circular transition of the built environment. Rather than reinventing the concept of material reuse, the project provides practical solutions for the industry to integrate circular economy principles into their workflows.


Tutor(s)
James Westcott
2024
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