Circularity in Design and Construction
The Value of Design Symposium 2026 brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore how circular principles are reshaping the future of design and the built environment. Hosted by Delft University of Technology, the event will take place at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences in Delft, the Netherlands.
This year’s edition focuses on circularity in design and construction—a timely and critical theme that challenges us to rethink how we design, build, and reuse materials to create lasting value. The symposium bridges theory and real-world practice: experts will share success stories, reflect on lessons learned, and openly address common pitfalls of working circularly.
Pioneer Speaker: Ladeja Godina Košir
A key highlight of the programme is the Pioneer Speaker Session, featuring Ladeja Godina Košir - founder and Director of Circular Change and Chair of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) in Brussels.
With her extensive experience at the intersection of policy, business, and systemic transformation, Ladeja brings a unique perspective on how circular ambitions can move beyond vision into implementation. Her contribution will reflect on the role of design as a connector of systems, and on the growing importance of aligning value chains, stakeholders, and decision-making frameworks in order to make circularity work in practice.
From Resource to Re-Source
Under the theme “Resource to Re-Source”, the symposium emphasises a fundamental shift: materials are no longer endpoints, but part of continuous cycles of value creation. Through interactive workshops and pioneering speakers, participants will gain insights into why circular approaches are no longer optional—they are becoming a core element of future engineering and construction.
As the construction sector faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact while maintaining economic viability, circular design offers a pathway to resilience and long-term value. The Value of Design Symposium 2026 creates a space where knowledge meets application, and where new collaborations can emerge across disciplines and sectors.