Circular adaptive reuse architecture for climate adaptation and social empowerment

The growing climate crisis exposes the limitations of contemporary sustainability paradigms in architecture, which remain largely focused on operational efficiency and technological optimization. Although life-cycle assessment methods, low-energy technologies, and circular economy frameworks have improved environmental performance in the built environment, they have not generated proportional progress in climate adaptation policies or social resilience. Existing approaches rarely integrate climate diagnosis, material circularity and community participation within a single operational framework. This study presents the development and exploratory validation of the CARMA framework (Circular Adaptive Reuse for Mitigation-based Architecture) through comparative qualitative case studies conducted in Poland, Denmark and Tanzania. The framework was developed through an iterative process combining literature synthesis, theoretical model development and exploratory application to contrasting architectural contexts. The study examines how circular design strategies and generative upcycling can simultaneously support environmental objectives and strengthen community engagement. The article distinguishes analytical upcycling based on measurable indicators from organic upcycling rooted in local ecosystems and adaptive grassroots practices. The comparative analysis demonstrates that integrating climate diagnosis, material and carbon assessment, and adaptive design strategies within a single framework enables context-sensitive architectural responses while strengthening community participation and adaptive capacity. This paper presents an exploratory methodological study supported by comparative qualitative case studies.