The Missing Link: Circularity in Urban Design - A Systematic Review of Circular Paradigms for Resilient and Self-sustaining Cities

Abstract

Sustainable urban design is paramount as cities face increasing pressures from urbanization, resource scarcity, climate change, and social inequities. And it is the Circular Urban Design (CUD) Model, rooted in the principles of circularity and socio-spatial-matter interplays across a variety of scales, that is presented in this paper for the first time, serving to reshape urban environments to minimize waste, maintain a good standard of living, and improve the use of resources and land at the district scale. This systematic literature review of the four key circular paradigms - ‘circular cities’, ‘circular urbanism’, ‘urban circularity’ and ‘circulation of urban metabolism’ - identified the key principles for a CUD Model. The review included studies on circular paradigms, conducted across various scales, and ranging from the global level to individual buildings. Only peer-reviewed academic journals that examine the district and city scales of circular paradigms, as well as their interactions with other scales were included. Analysis of 57 articles using the PRISMA method revealed two major findings: circular urban studies at the district scale are fewer than those at the city scale; and there are 12 key principles in circular urban design. These 12 principles are ranked from circulation of matters within a place as the most frequent, to a restorative approach to urban design as the least frequent. The frequency of these principles reveals that lifecycle thinking and multi-scalar approaches are rarely considered when urban design is meant to enhance place quality. In response, the CUD Model was built on the 12 established principles, integrating spaces, actors, and matters across the three scales of building, district, and city scales, with a district-centred approach. The model identifies the missing link in current urban design processes, that it is the interconnections between different scales of territories that will support a dynamic and collaborative approach across the spectrum of scales to urban development over time. Future research should focus on testing the model in real-world projects and refining its applicability across diverse urban contexts. • Urban population growth intensifies sustainability challenges; circularity offers integrated solutions for resilient urban development. • A systematic review of 57 articles identifies 12 core principles across and their research scales. • Circular Urban Design (CUD) Model synthesizes these principles to optimize land and resource use at the district scale. • Findings emphasize underutilized multi-scalar and lifecycle approaches and the importance of socio-spatial-matter interplays. • The CUD Model offers a practical tool for urban designers, planners, and policymakers to guide circular place-making.

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