Let me tell you something that’s been bubbling in my mind for weeks: the architecture world is having a nervous breakdown over sustainability. And Anders Lendager? He’s the guy holding a mirror up to that collective anxiety. The Danish architect isn’t just building houses—he’s rewriting the rules of what construction can be. When I saw his name attached to CircularBuild 2026, I couldn’t help but think: this isn’t just another conference. It’s a reckoning.
Lendager’s work has always felt like a middle finger to the status quo. Take his Resource Rows project in Copenhagen, where recycled bricks became the star of the show. It’s not just about recycling materials—it’s about redefining value. The idea that ‘form follows availability’ isn’t just a catchy slogan; it’s a radical challenge to the entire capitalist machinery of the construction industry. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it forces us to confront the absurdity of our current systems. Why do we build new when we could adapt? Why do we waste resources when we could innovate? These aren’t just rhetorical questions—they’re invitations to dismantle the very foundations of modern architecture.
And then there’s TRÆ, Denmark’s tallest timber tower. Standing at 78 meters, it’s a defiant statement against the concrete and steel monoliths that dominate skylines. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about using wood. It’s about creating a building that breathes, that ages gracefully, that doesn’t demand to be torn down and replaced. In my opinion, this is the future. Yet, I’m struck by how few architects are willing to take that leap. It’s as if we’re all waiting for permission from some invisible authority to break free from the prison of conventional design.
CircularBuild itself feels like a microcosm of this tension. The event’s shift from Retrofit Live to CircularBuild isn’t just a name change—it’s a pivot toward urgency. When Duncan Baker-Brown called Lendager’s involvement ‘fantastic news,’ I couldn’t help but wonder: why is this still news? Shouldn’t circular practices be the default now? The fact that Shelley McNamara had to pull out for ‘urgent work commitments’ says everything. We’re still in the early stages of this revolution, and the stakes are higher than anyone admits.
What really gets me is the contrast between Lendager’s vision and the projects being discussed at the event. Landsec’s Timber Square in London, for example, is touted as a hybrid of old and new. But let’s be honest—how different is this from the same tired ‘greenwashing’ we’ve seen for decades? Reusing a 1950s printworks is admirable, but if the underlying systems remain extractive, does it matter? This raises a deeper question: can we truly call something sustainable if it’s still built on the same exploitative models?
Then there’s the practical side of things. Joel De Mobray’s talk on ‘closing the CircularBuild loop’ sounds promising, but I keep thinking about the real-world hurdles. How do you convince a client to prioritize availability over aesthetics? How do you navigate the bureaucratic nightmares of material sourcing? These aren’t just logistical challenges—they’re cultural ones. The industry is built on a hierarchy of priorities, and sustainability rarely makes the top ten. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about materials. It’s about retraining entire generations of architects to think differently.
And let’s not forget Mace’s 30 Duke Street project. The reuse of steel frames and stone is impressive, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s more about marketing than transformation. Salvatore Capotosto’s ‘warts-and-all’ account is refreshing, but I’m left wondering: how many projects like this are happening in secret, with all the lessons learned never shared? The industry needs transparency, not just case studies.
As I reflect on all this, one thing becomes clear: the circular economy isn’t just a trend. It’s a necessary evolution. But evolution requires discomfort. It requires us to admit that our current systems are broken. And that’s the real challenge. Lendager’s presence at CircularBuild isn’t just about his work—it’s about forcing the conversation into the light. Whether we’re ready or not, the future of architecture is being written right now, and it’s time to stop pretending we’re still in the past.
