Domicology

Domicology is the study of the economic, social, and environmental characteristics relating to the life cycle of the built environment.

Domicologists:

1. Recognize that manmade structures have a life cycle;
2. Examine the life cycle continuum of the built environment and plan, design, construct, and deconstruct in order to maximize the reuse of materials and minimize the negative impacts of a structure's end of useful life;
3. Identify innovative tools, models, policies, practices, and programs that can sustainably address a structural life cycle; and,
4. Conduct research on the technical, economic, and policy challenges present in a structure's life cycle and seek to reduce the negative social, economic, and environmental impacts associated with structural abandonment.

The term was coined in 2015 by Dr. Rex LaMore, Director of the Michigan State University, Center for Community and Economic Development.