Alternative Architectural Design Methods in the Reuse and Remanufacturing of Scrap Metals for Commercial Buildings Facades

This paper seeks to explore the possibilities of alternative design methods by reusing scrap metals in architectural practice to reduce the carbon footprint of recycling metal. Currently, recycled metal constitutes 30% of the... [ view full abstract ]

This paper seeks to explore the possibilities of alternative design methods by reusing scrap metals in architectural practice to reduce the carbon footprint of recycling metal. Currently, recycled metal constitutes 30% of the world’s metal products. The highest percentage of recycled metal is generated from the automobile industry. In the United States of America and Europe, over 60% of recycled metal comes from the automobile industry. Every year, about 12 million vehicles are taken off the roads in the European Union where collection of scraps is carried out through commercial reverse logistic network. This percentage is expected to increase due to the introduction of contemporary sustainable car design. Steel is the most recycled metal and steel production is counted as the second largest consumer of energy in the world. Discovering alternate methods of reuse to the recycling of steel will reduce the energy utilized in the production of steel. Alternate design methods will be explored for their degree of disassembly in order to promote circularity. Improved reuse can prolong the life cycle of scraps and improve their value.

Architectural Design, Automotive Waste, Steel, Scraps, Reuse, Circular Economy