Lightweight Technologies in Sustainable Architecture: The Importance of Connections in Disassembly

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of lightweight structures and connections in the DfD (design for disassembly) framework. The construction sector is facing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, which has led to heightened interest in DfD as a strategy for transitioning from a linear “Cradle to Grave” economic model to a circular “Cradle to Cradle” model. At the social level, DfD’s technological and spatial flexibility provides opportunities for self-build and self-maintenance processes, which can decrease land consumption and reduce costs for both owners and tenants. In this context, lightweight structures and connections are crucial for enabling these processes. The methodology used for analysis involves breaking down three technological elements chosen from three different projects to evaluate ease of disassembly, flexibility, potential for reuse, and recyclability. As a result, this paper aims to promote the development of an abacus of existing technological solutions, to provide designers with a tool that can help them pursue DfD strategies.