How to get a foot in the door of circular design

Words: Becky Gordon

Circular design: it’s one thing to understand the concept, but quite another to implement it on varied and complex projects. Perfectly circular models, where products and materials at the end of their use lives are recycled into new ones with virtually no waste, may seem like the only solution.  But there are other ways we can think about circularity – here’s how design can start contributing to the circular economy now, and how we can bring our clients and partners along with us.

Knowledge is power

Specifying recycled products and materials is the simplest way for architects and designers to contribute to the circular economy, but first you need to know what makes a product circular and be prepared to accept some not-quite-perfect circles. It’s not a case of all or nothing – most products aren’t completely single-use and very few are completely circular, with the majority falling somewhere in the middle.

While they don’t have to be the finished article, look for manufacturers that have an awareness of where their product sits on that scale and that are working to move away from linear ‘cradle-to-grave’ lifecycles towards the circular ‘cradle-to-cradle’ model. Where information isn’t readily available, ask for it. Manufacturers should be transparent and proud of the work they’re doing, and lifecycle assessments, environmental product declarations (EPDs) and recycled content data are the proof that they’re moving in the right direction.

A second life

Becoming fluent in end-of-life options that extend the lifecycle of a product and save it from landfill is another key way of embracing circularity. Reusing products that are no longer needed but still have life left in them is a viable but underutilised option in many cases. For example, at Interface we offer ReEntry, a take back scheme for used products that put them to use with worthy causes and reduce emissions from the production of new products.

Through the ReEntry programme, Interface collects used carpet tiles and works with local partners to supply them to small businesses, charities and community groups. A circular material isn’t always one that is converted directly back into a new product, and reuse schemes allow designers to specify products that do the job beyond their assumed lifespan.

A working knowledge of a wide range of disposal options is incredibly useful for designers looking to help their clients and partners to make more sustainable choices. For example, being able to suggest where a product can be reused or recycled rather than specifying a new one is actively contributing to the circular economy. How readily the industry moves towards a circular model relies on us as manufacturers and designers giving clients viable routes to embrace it now.

Reality check

It’s also worth thinking about how circularity links up with the other demands of the spaces we’re designing – it doesn’t mean performance, durability and aesthetics should take a back seat. And while they may significantly reduce waste over their lifecycle, even products with great circular credentials can have high carbon footprints, and we can’t ignore this. Circularity must be balanced against a lot of other factors, even in the context of sustainability – a circular product that has to be replaced every five years might not be as sustainable as one with a 15-year guarantee, even if it has a more linear lifecycle. Ultimately, specifying the most suitable product for the space, in terms of function and use, will help ensure the product is in place for as long as possible, making it the more sustainable option.

What a space looks like also has a significant impact on sustainability – a trend-led design is likely to be replaced sooner, so choose evergreen, classic styles such as those inspired by nature. Design that serves a purpose is also likely to be timeless, so aesthetics that support wellbeing or collaboration are a smart choice, particularly in commercial environments.

It’s tempting to add circular design to the huge list of things that require a ‘holistic approach’, which can be daunting, but a more useful suggestion is that designers keep in mind how the lifecycles of individual products or processes contribute to the bigger picture. Perfect circularity should be an ambition rather than a defining force in the design process, and as we find our feet with the concept, we will be able to let it guide more and more of the spaces we design and build.