A new perspective for an old practice - Building a circular pattern language for the adaptive reuse of historical masonry buildings

The development of construction activity in the 20th century was strongly influenced by limited planning and the scarcity of resources, conditions that often led to unsustainable growth patterns. As environmental concerns began to rise, the construction sector was forced to confront its role in shaping an alternative model of development, one that could balance societal needs with ecological responsibility. Within this debate, architecture has played a central role, particularly through the growing focus on reuse and renovation as strategies to reduce environmental impact. These practices are increasingly recognized as key contributions to the international agenda for sustainable development. In this context, there emerges a pressing necessity to formulate a design methodology that integrates circular principles into building reuse and renovation. Such a methodology would provide a structured framework to guide architects and planners toward sustainable design strategies capable of extending the life of existing buildings while minimizing resource consumption and environmental degradation.