The concept of boundaries plays a significant role in many fields including architecture, interior architecture, urban design, art, social science and other disciplines. It is required to rethink the idea of boundaries from an interdisciplinary perspective that integrates both theoretical and technical aspects. The proposed theme of “Circulating Boundaries” revolves around not only the idea of applying circular design principles to the built environment, but also social and cultural aspects.

Circulating boundaries in the built environment are conceived as focusing on circular design principles, thus, would provide the opportunity to lead the path in this inevitable transition by discussing holistic approaches in relation to building technologies by pinpointing technical aspects such as materials, structure and energy, and positively addressing social and humanitarian impacts of circularity. Circular design, in contrast to linear design, brings out a holistic design idea that changes the initial design to explicit values such as reusing the materials and efficient use of energy. Considering the building industry consumes the overall energy resources up to 40%, it is required to reuse and circulate the sources efficiently. In construction, resource efficiency means efficient use of energy, natural resources and raw materials with lesser resources and environmental impacts.

On the other hand, the circulating boundaries in social studies are drawn across the context, types of groups, social, psychological, cultural and structural levels, and the social and collective identity. The theme also open-up to other areas such as architectural theory, urban studies, furniture design, adaptive reuse of the architectural heritage, practices of recycling in design and social issues.

The Design Fest that we organize as the Faculty of Architecture with the theme of “Circulating  Boundaries” between 4-6 April 2022 aims to provide an opportunity to integrate the academia by involving stakeholders from practice to explore the ways of  circulating boundaries. The Festival program includes online seminars, workshops and competition. Although predominantly oriented toward Architecture / Interior Architecture and Environmental Design disciplines, the Design Fest will be open to the participation of students, academicians, and professionals from all design fields.