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Exploring the combined impact of Generative Design and Reuse-Centered Design.

Lisco, Margherita LU orcid and Szentes, Henrik LU (2025) In Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
Abstract
Purpose: Digitalization and circularity are core elements to achieve a sustainable
development and call for innovation in the building sector. Although reusing building parts is recognized as a viable strategy, it requires adapted design approaches. Generative design (GD) could assist designers in elaborating suitable solutions using the existing building stock as well as in designing for future reuse and seems therefore to support a Reuse-Centred Design (RCD). This paper aims to explore implications and potential tensions of implementing GD for RCD, as perceived by designers in the building sector.

Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory approach was chosen to build the foundation for future in-depth research. During a... (More)
Purpose: Digitalization and circularity are core elements to achieve a sustainable
development and call for innovation in the building sector. Although reusing building parts is recognized as a viable strategy, it requires adapted design approaches. Generative design (GD) could assist designers in elaborating suitable solutions using the existing building stock as well as in designing for future reuse and seems therefore to support a Reuse-Centred Design (RCD). This paper aims to explore implications and potential tensions of implementing GD for RCD, as perceived by designers in the building sector.

Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory approach was chosen to build the foundation for future in-depth research. During a series of workshops conducted in four Nordic countries, the implications of using GD for RCD were discussed. The findings were analyzed using a thematic approach, and a paradox perspective was then applied to discuss organizational tensions emerging when applying GD for RCD.

Findings: The study identified several tensions between design as a process and design as a product, arguing that these tensions are further intensified by the combination of GD and current pressure for reuse. By exploring practitioners’ perceptions of this ongoing transition, the paper provides theoretical contributions as well as several implications for practitioners. Additionally, the paper stresses the importance of nurturing collaboration between researchers and practitioners who focus on the design process and those who prioritize the design outcome when using GD for RCD.

Originality: The combined impacts of two ongoing transitions regarding design in the building sector have been explored using a paradox perspective. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
epub
subject
keywords
Circularity, Building, Reuse, Design, Generative Design, Paradox, Tensions
in
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
pages
17 pages
publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
0969-9988
DOI
10.1108/ECAM-12-2024-1712
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
0f7e631a-5602-4a28-9d90-8c45db22c20f
date added to LUP
2025-05-12 11:31:07
date last changed
2025-08-22 10:21:20
@article{0f7e631a-5602-4a28-9d90-8c45db22c20f,
  abstract     = {{Purpose: Digitalization and circularity are core elements to achieve a sustainable<br/>development and call for innovation in the building sector. Although reusing building parts is recognized as a viable strategy, it requires adapted design approaches. Generative design (GD) could assist designers in elaborating suitable solutions using the existing building stock as well as in designing for future reuse and seems therefore to support a Reuse-Centred Design (RCD). This paper aims to explore implications and potential tensions of implementing GD for RCD, as perceived by designers in the building sector.<br/><br/>Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory approach was chosen to build the foundation for future in-depth research. During a series of workshops conducted in four Nordic countries, the implications of using GD for RCD were discussed. The findings were analyzed using a thematic approach, and a paradox perspective was then applied to discuss organizational tensions emerging when applying GD for RCD.<br/><br/>Findings: The study identified several tensions between design as a process and design as a product, arguing that these tensions are further intensified by the combination of GD and current pressure for reuse. By exploring practitioners’ perceptions of this ongoing transition, the paper provides theoretical contributions as well as several implications for practitioners. Additionally, the paper stresses the importance of nurturing collaboration between researchers and practitioners who focus on the design process and those who prioritize the design outcome when using GD for RCD.<br/><br/>Originality: The combined impacts of two ongoing transitions regarding design in the building sector have been explored using a paradox perspective.}},
  author       = {{Lisco, Margherita and Szentes, Henrik}},
  issn         = {{0969-9988}},
  keywords     = {{Circularity; Building; Reuse; Design; Generative Design; Paradox; Tensions}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Emerald Group Publishing Limited}},
  series       = {{Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management}},
  title        = {{Exploring the combined impact of Generative Design and Reuse-Centered Design.}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-12-2024-1712}},
  doi          = {{10.1108/ECAM-12-2024-1712}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}