Chapter 6: Near term new thinking

Chapter 6 explores emerging opportunities for sustainable transformation in the built environment. It highlights circular economy strategies, adaptive reuse, material passports, and design for disassembly. The chapter examines innovative materials with reduced embodied carbon, regenerative properties, and in-use benefits, alongside 3D printing and digital technologies such as BIM, digital twins, and parametric design. It emphasises inclusive, health-focused, and nature-positive design, addressing demographic shifts and climate resilience. By integrating forward-thinking practices and technologies, the chapter advocates for a proactive, adaptable, and regenerative approach to built environment development in the near term.