Agenda

The circular transition calls for a different way of designing, building and valuing. For architects, this offers opportunities to look beyond material reduction alone. How do we retain the value of buildings, structures and building components for as long as possible? And what role can concrete play in this?

Although concrete is often associated with a high environmental impact, it is at the same time a material with properties that align well with circular building principles. Its long lifespan, robustness and adaptability make it possible to keep buildings and structures valuable across multiple use cycles. Circularity goes beyond recycling alone. It is precisely the retention and reuse of complete buildings, structures and building components that often delivers the greatest environmental and value gains.

In practice, however, this is not always straightforward. Designing with existing elements requires a different approach than designing with new materials. Availability, quality assurance, regulations and logistics all play an important role. At the same time, more and more projects show that these challenges are not insurmountable. From the reuse of complete building shells to redeploying structural elements and innovative applications of secondary raw materials, circular building with concrete is rapidly developing from ambition into reality.

The symposium Slim Circulair Bouwen met Beton focuses on the question of how designers, clients and building partners can seize these opportunities. Through inspiring practical examples, current insights and concrete projects, it becomes clear which circular strategies are already applicable today and which considerations play a role in this.

For more information about this symposium and its programme, or to register in advance, click here