Conscious architecture and circular economy for a transition in building: The IMIP project as a case study

This research explores the role of design in fostering sustainable transitions through systemic thinking in the building sector, addressing the dynamic, multi-scalar, multi-species, and transdisciplinary challenges inherent in socio-ecological and socio-technical transformations. The study is grounded in Transition Design principles, recognizing the agency of ecological, human, and computational intelligence. By embracing systemic approaches, this paper underscores the importance of long-term thinking, collective action, pluralistic perspectives, and value co-creation among diverse actors. The results highlight the IMIP (Innovative Eco-Construction System Based on Interlocking Modular Insulation Wood & Cork-Based Panels) project’s contribution to circular economy principles, demonstrating its environmental and social impact through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as an innovative holistic approach to low-energy construction and near-zero-emissions strategies in construction, leveraging local timber and cork as materials for construction systems in building. These results demonstrate the potential of locally based bio-based materials and modular construction systems to promote circularity, reduce ecological footprints, and enhance community resilience. The findings reinforce the significance of design as a driver of systemic change in the building sector, emphasizing the interdependencies and feedback loops between human actions, natural ecosystems, and technological infrastructures.