PRINCIPLES
Designing for disassembly
Originally an architectural concept, designing for disassembly refers to constructing things in such a way that they are easily pulled apart. This allows you to dispose of items separately, and prevent damage to materials which might stop them having a second life.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Proper planning is your best chance of removing headaches later down the track.
Try to preference hand tools in the construction, and limit the requirement of any non-standard equipment, or extra-human force.
Be conscious of the base time required for assembly and disassembly - the less time it takes, the less likely you are to get fed up and cut corners.
Rather than cutting materials to bespoke sizes, try to design for them to be used as a whole, or in full sheets, as standard sizes are easier to reuse.
MODULAR DESIGN
Reversible fastenings
More than the sum of its parts.
Design staging and set pieces so they can be separated into smaller parts or modules, which can be disassembled in turn, rather than a single set piece.
Smaller modules are also more easily kept in storage, toured, and reused or repurposed on other projects.
CLEAR INStructions
These allow quick and intuitive disassembly accessible to a wider skill base.
Where possible, always use reversible fastenings such as screws. Nails can also work, but aren’t as easily removed, and can result in damage to materials.
Avoid staples, nail plates, strong adhesives, and spot-welding. If you have to use glues, use ones that are heat-reversible.
Avoid painting over fastenings, so they are not missed in the deconstruction phase, resulting in damage.
Wherever possible, force should not be required to undo fastenings.
Make it easy for anyone to understand the assembly process.
During construction, clearly label all parts, joins, and fastenings on the build.
Create detailed instructions and drawings for how the set piece should be dismantled.