Publications
2025
A Comprehensive Digital Integration Framework for Circular Economy in Existing Building Retrofits
Farokh Panahirad
4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment, Helsinki, Finland
Exploring a four-phase, technology-enabled retrofit methodology to embed Circular Economy principles into aging buildings.
The construction industry consumes over one-third of global energy and significantly depletes raw materials, underscoring a pressing need for more sustainable methods. Among emerging approaches, the Circular Economy (CE) framework is particularly relevant, promoting reduced waste, extended material lifespans, and closed-loop resource cycles. This paper proposes a four-phase digital integration framework designed to embed CE principles into existing building retrofits, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twins. The framework systematically addresses the Assessment, Planning, Execution, and Monitoring & Optimization stages of retrofitting, helping stakeholders achieve higher material reuse, optimized resource consumption, and enhanced post-retrofit performance. While challenges related to cost, regulation, and data-sharing persist, this work demonstrates how a structured, technology-assisted process can help practitioners, policymakers, and researchers make informed decisions about bringing existing buildings closer to a circular future.
@inproceedings{panahirad2025framework,
author = {Farokh Panahirad},
title = {A Comprehensive Digital Integration Framework for Circular Economy in Existing Building Retrofits},
booktitle = {4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment},
year = {2025},
address = {Helsinki, Finland},
abstract = {The construction industry consumes over one-third of global energy and significantly depletes raw materials, underscoring a pressing need for more sustainable methods.
Among emerging approaches, the Circular Economy (CE) framework is particularly relevant, promoting reduced waste, extended material lifespans, and closed-loop resource cycles.
This paper proposes a four-phase digital integration framework designed to embed CE principles into existing building retrofits, leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Twins.
The framework systematically addresses the Assessment, Planning, Execution, and Monitoring & Optimization stages of retrofitting, helping stakeholders achieve higher material reuse, optimized resource consumption, and enhanced post-retrofit performance.
While challenges related to cost, regulation, and data-sharing persist, this work demonstrates how a structured, technology-assisted process can help practitioners, policymakers, and researchers make informed decisions about bringing existing buildings closer to a circular future.}
}Validation of a Digital Framework for Circular Economy Retrofits: A Multi-Case Analysis
Farokh Panahirad
4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment, Helsinki, Finland
Empirical validation of a CE retrofit framework via eight real-world case studies using BIM, IoT, AI, and Digital Twins.
Integrating Circular Economy principles into existing building retrofits offers substantial opportunities to reduce resource waste and improve operational efficiencies. This paper presents a multi‐case analysis of eight retrofit projects—spanning offices, residential complexes, and historical structures—to validate a digital integration framework that leverages Building Information Modeling, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twins. Our analysis demonstrates that retrofits employing this framework can achieve material reuse rates between 40% and 80% and energy savings from 15% to 70%. In addition to quantifying performance improvements, the study examines challenges such as stakeholder resistance, data fragmentation, and regulatory constraints, and discusses strategies for effective framework implementation.
@inproceedings{panahirad2025validation,
author = {Farokh Panahirad},
title = {Validation of a Digital Framework for Circular Economy Retrofits: A Multi-Case Analysis},
booktitle = {4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment},
year = {2025},
address = {Helsinki, Finland},
abstract = {Integrating Circular Economy principles into existing building retrofits offers substantial opportunities to reduce resource waste and improve operational efficiencies.
This paper presents a multi‐case analysis of eight retrofit projects—spanning offices, residential complexes, and historical structures—to validate a digital integration framework that leverages Building Information Modeling, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twins.
Our analysis demonstrates that retrofits employing this framework can achieve material reuse rates between 40% and 80% and energy savings from 15% to 70%. In addition to quantifying performance improvements, the study examines challenges such as stakeholder resistance, data fragmentation, and regulatory constraints, and discusses strategies for effective framework implementation.}
}Barriers, Strategies, and Policy Pathways for Digital Circular Economy in Building Retrofits
Farokh Panahirad
4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment, Helsinki, Finland
Financial, regulatory, technical, and cultural challenges to adopting CE-based retrofits, and a roadmap for digital-driven solutions.
Embedding Circular Economy principles into existing building retrofits offers the potential to reduce resource consumption, lower waste generation, and achieve significant long-term operational cost savings. However, widespread adoption is hindered by financial, regulatory, technical, and cultural barriers. This paper examines these challenges in detail and proposes practical strategies and policy pathways to overcome them.Digital technologies – including Building Information Modeling, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twins – serve as critical enablers in the retrofit process. Our multi-case analysis and cost–benefit perspective demonstrate that phased retrofitting approaches, open data standards, targeted skill-building initiatives, and well-designed financial incentives can significantly enhance CE outcomes. The findings provide actionable insights and a policy roadmap to accelerate the transformation of existing buildings into sustainable, circular assets.
@inproceedings{panahirad2025barriers,
author = {Farokh Panahirad},
title = {Barriers, Strategies, and Policy Pathways for Digital Circular Economy in Building Retrofits},
booktitle = {4th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment},
year = {2025},
address = {Helsinki, Finland},
abstract = {Embedding Circular Economy principles into existing building retrofits offers the potential to reduce resource consumption, lower waste generation, and achieve significant long-term operational cost savings. However, widespread adoption is hindered by financial, regulatory, technical, and cultural barriers.
This paper examines these challenges in detail and proposes practical strategies and policy pathways to overcome them.Digital technologies – including Building Information Modeling, the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twins – serve as critical enablers in the retrofit process.
Our multi-case analysis and cost–benefit perspective demonstrate that phased retrofitting approaches, open data standards, targeted skill-building initiatives, and well-designed financial incentives can significantly enhance CE outcomes.
The findings provide actionable insights and a policy roadmap to accelerate the transformation of existing buildings into sustainable, circular assets.}
}2024
A Review of Circular Economy Strategies for Existing Buildings: Challenges and Solutions
Farokh Panahirad
5th International conference on creative achievements of architecture, urban planning, civil engineering and environment in the sustainable development of the Middle East. Mashhad, Iran
The original article is in Persian; an English translation is available as a blog post.
A comprehensive review of circular economy strategies for building renovation, emphasizing sustainability, reuse, and systemic transformation.
The construction sector is one of the main contributors to waste generation, depletion of natural resources, and environmental degradation. This article examines the role of circular economy strategies in existing buildings, analyzing the associated challenges, solutions, and future pathways. Using a systematic literature review and qualitative analysis, the environmental, economic, and social benefits of circular actions—such as material reuse and recycling, energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and operational optimization—have been identified. Moreover, challenges including high initial costs, technical limitations, regulatory barriers, and market issues are explored. Proposed solutions involve financial incentives, policy reforms, the development of innovative technologies, and stakeholder education. The findings indicate that adopting circular economy practices can help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, preserve natural resources, enhance occupant health and well-being, lower energy costs, increase property value, and create job opportunities. The paper emphasizes the importance of behavioral and cultural change in adopting circular approaches and promoting a culture of sustainability. Future research directions focus on assessing the long-term impacts of circular actions, developing sustainable materials and technologies, analyzing the socio-economic effects of these practices, and the role of policy in promoting the circular economy. This study provides a comprehensive framework for accelerating the transition to a resilient, sustainable, and equitable built environment, highlighting the importance of collaboration among governments, industries, and local communities in achieving sustainable development goals.
@inproceedings{panahirad2024review,
author = {Farokh Panahirad},
title = {A Review of Circular Economy Strategies for Existing Buildings: Challenges and Solutions},
booktitle = {5th International Conference on Creative Achievements of Architecture, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering and Environment in the Sustainable Development of the Middle East},
year = {2024},
address = {Mashhad, Iran},
abstract = {The construction sector is one of the main contributors to waste generation, depletion of natural resources, and environmental degradation. This article examines the role of circular economy strategies in existing buildings, analyzing the associated challenges, solutions, and future pathways. Using a systematic literature review and qualitative analysis, the environmental, economic, and social benefits of circular actions—such as material reuse and recycling, energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and operational optimization—have been identified.
Moreover, challenges including high initial costs, technical limitations, regulatory barriers, and market issues are explored. Proposed solutions involve financial incentives, policy reforms, the development of innovative technologies, and stakeholder education. The findings indicate that adopting circular economy practices can help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, preserve natural resources, enhance occupant health and well-being, lower energy costs, increase property value, and create job opportunities.
The paper emphasizes the importance of behavioral and cultural change in adopting circular approaches and promoting a culture of sustainability. Future research directions focus on assessing the long-term impacts of circular actions, developing sustainable materials and technologies, analyzing the socio-economic effects of these practices, and the role of policy in promoting the circular economy. This study provides a comprehensive framework for accelerating the transition to a resilient, sustainable, and equitable built environment, highlighting the importance of collaboration among governments, industries, and local communities in achieving sustainable development goals.}
}Identifying and Surveying Parameters Affecting the Architecture of Poverty and Prioritizing Them Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Farokh Panahirad, Maryam Ansarimanesh
10th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture & Urban Development, Tehran, Iran
The original article is in Persian; an English translation is available as a blog post.
Prioritizes key factors shaping architecture in low-income contexts using AHP to support sustainable, affordable design strategies for marginalized communities.
Architecture of poverty relies on minimalism, recycled materials, and low-cost resources (while maintaining safety standards). Regardless of construction method, erecting buildings and shelters involves two fundamental elements: the technique of using materials and the art of building. Technique is a social asset that humans imitate, learn, and evolve. The art of building defies conventional definitions, deeply rooted in artistic and aesthetic expressions, communicated through symbolism and codes. This study aims to create comfort by identifying effective indicators, assessing them, and constructing suitable shelters for low-income groups based on urban principles and their specific needs. Based on existing research, it can be confidently stated that only a fragment of perspectives regarding poverty architecture has been explored. Consequently, the question arises: how can the influential indicators of poverty architecture be identified? Employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method among a statistical community of experts with advanced education and extensive practical and academic experience in architecture, this research examines the characteristics of poverty architecture. The findings suggest strategies and recommendations to generate employment opportunities across various economic sectors, enhance security for low-income groups through security forces and community participation, utilize durable materials, and promote education—especially among youth—to significantly address and potentially resolve the issue of poverty architecture.
@inproceedings{panahirad2024poverty,
author = {Farokh Panahirad and Maryam Ansarimanesh},
title = {Identifying and Surveying Parameters Affecting the Architecture of Poverty and Prioritizing Them Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process},
booktitle = {10th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture & Urban Development},
year = {2024},
address = {Tehran, Iran},
abstract = {Architecture of poverty relies on minimalism, recycled materials, and low-cost resources (while maintaining safety standards).
Regardless of construction method, erecting buildings and shelters involves two fundamental elements: the technique of using materials and the art of building.
Technique is a social asset that humans imitate, learn, and evolve. The art of building defies conventional definitions, deeply rooted in artistic and aesthetic expressions, communicated through symbolism and codes.
This study aims to create comfort by identifying effective indicators, assessing them, and constructing suitable shelters for low-income groups based on urban principles and their specific needs.
Based on existing research, it can be confidently stated that only a fragment of perspectives regarding poverty architecture has been explored.
Consequently, the question arises: how can the influential indicators of poverty architecture be identified?
Employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method among a statistical community of experts with advanced education and extensive practical and academic experience in architecture, this research examines the characteristics of poverty architecture.
The findings suggest strategies and recommendations to generate employment opportunities across various economic sectors, enhance security for low-income groups through security forces and community participation, utilize durable materials, and promote education—especially among youth—to significantly address and potentially resolve the issue of poverty architecture.}
}
