THE IMPETUSES AND IMPEDIMENTS FOR DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The concept of Design for Disassembly revolves around the idea that a building should be designed, not as a whole entity, but in layers and components that allows for successful disassembly and material recovery and reuse when it reaches the end of its service life. The environmental and economic viability of design for disassembly as a sustainable architectural strategy is undeniable. However, the attitude of the construction industry in Singapore towards accepting design for disassembly as integral to the design of buildings has been lukewarm and largely ignored. To understand this current state of mind and mode of operation of the construction industry, the dissertation examines the infrastructure and practice of design for disassembly in the construction industry of Singapore today, as compared to selected countries, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, so as to better understand the attitudes of key players to design for disassembly and the possible limitations and constraints faced in adopting design for disassembly as a model for construction. The purpose of this study is to identify the current problems that are inhibiting the adoption of design for disassembly in the construction industry in Singapore today and to suggest the first crucial steps in laying out a framework and infrastructure to provide for a consensus that design for disassembly is a viable option in moving towards a more environmental and economic sustainable construction industry.