Design for disassembly and modularity, ensuring that new structures are built to be easily relocated, adapted, or deconstructed at the end of their useful life. The importance of redesigning for adaptability ensures that our infrastructure can grow and evolve with the needs of society without requiring a wrecking ball. However, traditional construction techniques often rely on permanent bonds, such as wet-poured concrete, which make deconstruction nearly impossible and represent a significant barrier to circularity. Additionally, the initial phase of a modular, demountable design requires much higher precision and clash-free modeling than conventional methods, which can increase upfront engineering costs. 

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The symposium features experts from engineering firms and contractors to share how they are designing specifically for a circular future. We will explore the provocative idea that an over-engineered design might actually be the most circular solution if it allows for future flexibility and structural evolution. New developments in 2026 include the use of Generative AI to optimize structural forms for minimal material use and the integration of bio-based materials that sequester carbon throughout their lifespan. The visionary Buckminster Fuller once said. 

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"We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims". 

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This leaves us with a final thought: if we design our cities to be disassembled like modular kits, how does our definition of architecture change, and what legacy will our new skylines leave for the generations to follow?