Achieving SDGs in Industry 4.0. Between Performance-Oriented Digital Design and Circular Economy

Design sits prominently at the heart of the circular economy and requires us to rethink everything: from products, to business models and cities. Since everything that surrounds us has been designed by someone—the clothes we wear, the buildings we live in, even the way we get our food—and mostly according to the linear model, almost everything needs to be redesigned in accordance with the principles of the circular economy. Circular design process comprises human-centred and performance-oriented approaches. Extending the life of a product allows it to remain in use for as long as possible, and may involve designing products to be physically durable or require innovative approaches that allow the product to adapt to a user’s changing needs as time passes. Digital Design plays a crucial role in achieving quickly and efficiently, quality architectural projects both from the users’ point of view and from a global perspective as it closes the loop of material flows.