In an effort to achieve sustainable building design and construction, few architects in Middle East have adopted the traditional principles of vernacular architecture as a strategy for reducing energy consumption and achieving architecture that works in harmony with its natural, social and cultural environments. However, one of the main obstacles facing such effort is found in the legal building code, which is often derived from a modern western context that neglects traditional knowledge and vernacular building skills. The research team argues that the current legal framework for building code and sustainability standards adopted by many cities in the Middle East, represent a major obstacle for reviving sustainable traditional architecture within a contemporary context. The goal of this paper is to examine the current legal building code, adopted by the city of Amman Jordan in relation to the design and construction of contemporary buildings based on traditional stone vernacular architecture. This paper utilizes a case study approach to examine the different aspects of the legal challenges facing this effort. This study found that the main challenge with the current building code is associated with zoning requirements and setbacks, which reduces the allowable built area, preventing the integration of open-air courtyards. A second challenge is associated with building materials and permitted structural systems, which does not recognize load bearing wall structures or the construction of domes and vaults as roofing systems. Other challenges include the limitations on ceiling heights, wall sections and insulation standards. The paper also highlights the high impact that one singular case study can have on reviving the traditional knowledge and vernacular building skills in the region.

This study investigates the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with advanced imaging technologies to enhance sustainable deconstruction practices. UAVs rapidly capture high-resolution data, offering detailed visualizations of construction and demolition sites that improve material recovery, reduce labor demands, and minimize exposure to hazardous environments. Through a combination of a comprehensive literature review and a case study of the Masonic Temple in Binghamton, NY, this research demonstrates the potential of UAV-based 3D modeling to assess building conditions and identify material recovery opportunities. The findings highlight the significant efficiency and accuracy gains in building assessments achieved using UAVs, with operational costs as low as $2.07 per flight hour, emphasizing their economic feasibility. These advancements empower planners, architects, and construction professionals to make data-driven decisions, reduce waste, and conserve resources. By integrating advanced modeling techniques, this study supports sustainable urban development and material reuse, aligning with circular economy principles.

As the building construction industry moves to a more sustainable future, we need to work towards incorporating the three ordered tenets of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. In recent years, the building construction industry has made considerable strides in recycling materials such as carpet, furniture, steel, concrete, and bricks. Although recycling diverts materials from landfills, it is energy and material intensive and often results in lesser quality materials than their original state. To further reduce a building’s construction and demolition waste (CDW) and its resulting carbon footprint, there is a growing movement within the building industry to prioritize reusing building components over recycling. Reusing is a more sustainable option than recycling, as it preserves inherent material properties without the need for extensive processing. This paper posits that building component reuse (BCR) can be a critical strategy for managing CDW and is more sustainable than recycling. BCR involves salvaging and repurposing building elements from renovated or demolished buildings and offers a means to extend the lifecycle of building components as resources.

The goal of this paper is to analyze the current state of research and practice of BCR in the building industry with a two-pronged approach. First, through a systematized literature review of journal articles, conference papers and proceedings, books and book chapters, and popular press publications, we identified the design tools and systems that have facilitated BCR. Second, we have started a database of architectural projects that have incorporated BCR. This database lists key project information (e.g. architect, project name, year complete), and reused components. By juxtaposing insights from both theoretical research and real-world project execution, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the architectural tools and systems needed for successful BCR implementation.