Eco-architecture analysis for end-of-life decision making

• Published in: International journal of production research 2009-11, Vol.47 (22), p.6233-6259
• Main Authors: Kwak, Min Jung, Hong, Yoo Suk, Cho, Nam Wook
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Assembly lines; Decision making; Decision theory. Utility theory; Design; design for disassembly; eco-architecture; end-of-life decision making; end-of-life module; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Product design; Recycled products; Studies
• ISSN: 0020-7543; 1366-588X
• DOI: 10.1080/00207540802175329

In order to improve ease of disassembly and recycling of a product at its retirement stage, it is essential to design a product architecture that allows for easy disassembly and recycling. In this paper, a novel concept of eco-architecture is introduced, and the eco-architecture analysis, a design approach supporting the end-of-life decision making process, is proposed. The eco-architecture is the product architecture described from the end-of-life (EOL) viewpoint, in which a product is represented as an assembly of end-of-life modules. Not only does it prescribe an EOL strategy, but it also gives information about the connections and arrangement among EOL modules. Therefore, understanding the eco-architecture is helpful in enhancing the disassembly and recycling capabilities of an architecture design. The proposed eco-architecture analysis supports architecture improvement; it helps designers to derive the most desirable eco-architecture which entails the optimal end-of-life strategy. It also facilitates the extraction of meaningful redesign guidelines which make it possible to improve an architecture in an efficient and effective manner.