The Future is Deconstruction: A 2050 Vision
The Future is Deconstruction: A 2050 Vision

Our bet: In 2050, deconstruction, rather than demolition, will be the default. In this presentation and panel discussion, deconstruction will be examined from the perspective of experts in circular economy, design and engineering, and the tools needed to support it. Ramboll, Holmes, and Urban Machine will jointly explore the many trends and drivers for deconstruction and reuse, from a policy, reporting, decarbonization, resource and real estate scarcity, and tax perspective. We will introduce how, to date, the wrecking-ball approach to demolition has prohibited the circular use of materials and represents incredible value leakage, including sending valuable materials to landfill. Case studies and examples will be presented, from municipalities that have required deconstruction to ambitious projects propelled by goals of embodied carbon reduction or material reuse. Project planning, design, engineering, and detailing strategies that can be applied by the audience will be outlined by the panel. Technologies that support deconstruction will be discussed, showcasing how technology can facilitate sustainable solutions and inspire the adoption of circular practices in the built environment. This includes digital twins of buildings, material passports, and Urban Machine’s robot that separates metal from deconstructed wood for maximum reuse. We will outline the current hurdles to deconstruction, and how we expect technology and the circular economy to overcome them by 2050. In summary, we will address: - What are the problems with demolition, instead of deconstruction? - What are the drivers for deconstruction as the future, from a policy, reporting, decarbonization, resource and real estate scarcity, and tax perspective? - Benefits of deconstruction (illustrated by case studies) - How and when should a re/development opportunity consider deconstruction and reuse? - What are some of the tools and incentives available today?