Disassembly
Dis is a Latin prefix meaning apart, so disassembly simply means to take something apart.
In construction terms PAS 1192-2:2013: Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling (BIM), defines assembly as: 'Group of components or types to enable the reuse of standardised design or specification elements improving productivity of design and delivery as well as providing a location to hold specifications and lessons learnt in a simple and useable way. They may hold benchmark data for cost and carbon impacts. The contents of assemblies may themselves have attributes and classifications. These properties may include key data which is attached (to the object) for use once it is placed into a model and may include cost, CO2, programme, maintenance and other key information.'
So disassembly can mean to take apart a building or component. This is important when considering the recycling or reuse of materials and the circular economy, as different elements may be reusable or if recycled the parts need to be separated by materials. Design for disassembly ( also called design for deconstruction) is a design approach that tries to consider and design a building to allow for easier disassembly and therefore reclaiming, reuse and recycling at the end of the buildings useful life.
For more information see: Design for disassembly.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Assembly area.
- Assembly and recreation definition.
- Assembly building.
- Assembly drawing.
- Design for deconstruction.
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA).
- Modular buildings.
- Modern methods of construction.
- Preassembly.
- Plug and play skyscrapers.
- Pod.
- Volumetric modular construction.
- Volumetric unit.
- Reassembly.
- Self-assembly.
Featured articles and news
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.