Application of Circular Economy in the Sustainable Design of Recycling Parks with a Focus on Recycled Concrete

Mohammad Sadegh Fallahat¹ Nadia Hadian²

1) Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Iran
2) Master’s Student in Architecture, University of Zanjan, Iran

Publication : 10th.International Conference on Researches in Science & Engineering & 7th.International Congress on Civil, Architecture and Urbanism in Asia(10icrsie.com)
Abstract :
With the escalation of environmental crises caused by the excessive consumption of raw materials and the mass generation of construction waste, rethinking architectural design patterns and building materials has become an inevitable necessity. The circular economy, as a systemic approach to replace the linear model of production and consumption, provides a conceptual framework for sustainable design. This study, aiming to spatially and conceptually translate the components of the four-dimensional (4D) circular economy model, focuses on designing an educational–ecological recycling park with an emphasis on the application of recycled concrete as a design solution. The key components of the 4D circular economy model—Decouple (separating growth from resource consumption), Dematerialize (reducing material intensity), Distribute (participatory and decentralized production), and Design for Regeneration—are analyzed from an architectural perspective and transformed into strategies such as the use of recycled concrete, redesigning discarded building materials, and creating educational modules. The use of recycled concrete not only contributes to reducing dependence on virgin resources and minimizing waste but also plays a role in developing a new architectural language for educational–ecological spaces. The research methodology is qualitative–analytical, based on documentary analysis and theoretical–practical adaptation. Findings indicate that the 4D model, particularly when synergized with recycled materials such as concrete, can serve as a coherent, locally adaptable, and value-generating framework for designing urban spaces within the context of the circular economy. Finally, recommendations are proposed, including the use of digital simulation for recycled materials, participatory design with local communities, and the implementation of pilot projects based on concrete recycling.
Keywords : circular economy recycled concrete design for regeneration sustainable design ecological architecture four dimensional model