Unpacking the dynamics of synergising circular economy (CE) principles in modular buildings

Dewagoda, Kaveesha Gihani and Ekanayake, Anushika and Kumaraswamy, Mohan Maheswaran and Ng, S. Thomas and Chen, Ji (2026) Unpacking the dynamics of synergising circular economy (CE) principles in modular buildings. Frontiers in Built Environment, 12. ISSN 2297-3362

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Abstract

Introduction

Systemic building design is a critical starting point for enabling Circular Economy (CE) transitions in the Building Construction Industry (BCI) and advancing modern methods such as Industrialised Construction (IC). However, in practice, design approaches promoting circularity and those supporting manufacturing-led construction are often pursued separately, creating misalignments that limit both sustainability and productivity outcomes. Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA) is proposed as an integrative framework aligning Design for Circularity (DfC) with Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA). Proponents of DfC aim at both contributing to and benefiting from worldwide CE thrusts, while advocates of DfMA separately point to multiple benefits in boosting productivity, quality and reliability in particular. This paper presents a case for synergising these two major thrusts in the BCI, by focusing on their shared and complementary values, factoring in inevitably competing values and operational protocols that could result in complex interactions and inter-dependencies.

Methods

Systems Dynamics Modelling (SDM) was therefore adopted to capture the complexities, model their dynamics and next help identify ways forward following this integrated modelling of the DfCMA constructs identified in the study underling this paper. Accordingly, this study develops a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) as the conceptual modelling foundation for SDM to reveal the systemic relationships governing DfCMA. The structural architecture of these constructs was examined through methodological triangulation, combining qualitative insights from a Delphi study with twelve BCI experts and quantitative validation through a questionnaire survey analysed using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM).

Results and discussion

The empirically-supported structural relationships among eighteen DfMA variables, eighteen DfC variables, and six performance variables were mapped through developing the CLD. The resulting CLD captures the dynamism and complexity of integrating CE principles and practices of modular building design owing to the stakeholders that co-create and co-evaluate at varying degrees of connectivity across the construction value chain and the intricacy of the product itself: for example, materials and components in buildings have their own life cycles and functions, while dynamically interacting with each other over space and time, thereby also influencing the state and performance levels of each other, over the lifespan of a building.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3389/fbuil.2026.1826291
Dates:	Date Event 6 July 2026 Accepted 28 August 2026 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Causal-loop diagram (CLD), circular economy (CE), design for Circular manufacturing and assembly (DfCMA), design for circularity (DfC), design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), modular building, structural equation modelling (SEM), systems dynamics modelling (SDM)
Subjects:	CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-02 - building CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-04 - planning (urban, rural and regional)
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Architecture and Built Environment > Built Environment
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2026 15:20
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2026 15:20
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17218

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