SESSION 37

 

​Beyond Decarbonization: Concrete Material Agency and Multi-functionality

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Description:  This course examines the evolution of sustainable design in the built environment—from operational carbon reduction to embodied carbon assessment and regenerative design. Participants will explore the concept of material agency, where building materials actively influence environmental performance, resilience, and long-term outcomes.  Using case studies and emerging research, the course demonstrates how materials such as concrete can function as dynamic systems—contributing to energy performance, carbon reduction, durability, and lifecycle resilience. The session also introduces the role of structured data and digital tools (e.g., BIM, classification systems, and AI-enabled workflows) in supporting informed material selection and performance optimization.  Participants will gain practical strategies to integrate low-carbon materials, circular economy principles, and regenerative design approaches into architectural practice to improve health, safety, and welfare outcomes.

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Learning Objectives:

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1. Describe the progression of sustainability frameworks from operational carbon (e.g., AIA 2030) to embodied carbon and regenerative design, and explain their impact on building performance and occupant well-being.

2. Evaluate the role of material selection in reducing embodied carbon, including the use of performance-based specifications and lifecycle assessment strategies.

3. Analyze how material properties influence building health, safety, and durability, including thermal performance, fire resistance, moisture control, and long-term resilience.

4. Apply principles of regenerative design and circular economy, including material reuse, urban mining, and design for disassembly, to improve environmental and community outcomes.

5. Explain how digital tools and structured data systems (e.g., BIM, MasterFormat®, UniFormat®, OmniClass®) support better decision-making, coordination, and lifecycle performance tracking. 

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Presented by: ​

Frank Mruk FAIA, CSI, RIBA, Senior Director, Building Innovations, NRMCA

Dr. Hessam AzariJafari, Research Scientist and Executive Director of the MIT Electron-Conducting Carbon-Cement-Based Materials Hub (ec^3-hub)

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