Muthanna Journal of Engineering and Technology
Volume (14), Issue (4), Year (2026), Pages (76-89)
DOI:10.52113/3/eng/mjet/2026-14-04-/76-89
Research Article By:
Kais Abdulhusein Abbas
Corresponding author E-mail: Kais.A.Abbas@uotechnology.edu.iq
ABSTRACT
The urgent environmental challenges of resource depletion, waste generation, and climate change necessitate a paradigm shift in architecture from the conventional linear “take-make-dispose” model toward a regenerative circular economy. This study seeks to analytically investigate the key drivers and barriers to implementing sustainable circular architecture, with a specific focus on high rise residential buildings. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, this research analyzed the design, implementation, and ecological performance of Bosco Verticale in Milan against established circularity principles and LEED certification standards. According to the study’s results, Bosco Verticale exemplifies circularity because it combines biodiversity with many features, including: sequestration of 30 tons of CO₂; having more than 1,600 different species; features for reusing greywater; and the use of durable modular building materials. However, the study has identified many significant barriers to adopting these types of buildings more broadly: very high costs associated with construction; a need for intense, highly specialized maintenance; and structural complexity associated with each design. Moreover, it was found through the research that (BIM) and (AI) are two new technologies that may help reduce the roadblocks that have been encountered in the adoption of circular buildings. The result of this study is that the circular built environment can be adopted and implemented in an environmentally sustainable manner; however, it will take a concerted effort by architects, policymakers and urban designers to break down the legal, financial and social barriers that are preventing the sustainable construction of buildings with a circular design.
Keywords:
Circular architecture, Circular economy, Durability, Recycling, Sustainability, Vegetation, Waste reduction.