Jochem Vellinga
Minyue Jiang
Panagiota Patrisia Tziourrou
Ydze Rijff
Zahra Agbaria
Tutors: Daniele Cannatella, Nikos Katsikis, Remon Rooij
Key words: circular economy, South Holland, waste system, socio-spatial integration, construction-demolition sector
At the moment, 23,5% of total waste production in the Netherlands comes from the construction sector. Therefore in view of international agreements and the developing climate crisis, this construction- and demolition
sector should be transformed into a circular system that limits CO2 severely by 2050. It is important to bear in mind that current waste collection and waste treatment in the Netherlands are often separated and that it is a system that does not integrate social and spatial aspects, such as education or embeddedness in the urban fabric. These processes lack optimal use of existing spatial systems in order to stimulate a sustainable circular flow of materials. In order to tackle this problem, we envision to integrate several systems of existing waste collection stations and treatment facilities and involve citizens in the waste system rejuvenation. In order to achieve this, we build upon the existing network of waste collection stations, by transforming these into a multi-functional system. Adding social values to the existing systems, via for instance educational facilities and makerspaces, improves their spatial quality and contributes to more public awareness about these systems. In order to achieve this, we propose to integrate systems into the urban fabric and improve the dialogue with the cities in the South Holland region. The unique identity of each location requires a multilayered approach, consisting of central hubs and localand flexible spokes. The central hubs emphasize logistical optimization of circular material processes, while the local and flexible spokes focus more on the creation of public awareness. The local spokes do so through integration with the city and the flexible spokes through a more adaptable character related to construction sites. To determine the functions and characteristics of each site, the regional strategy takes into account all individual spatial, environmental, social and technical characteristics, in order to achieve the best interaction between them. The multi-scalar integration and rejuvenation of the system improves the efficiency and the sustainability of waste collection, with an impact on the spatial qualities of the waste collection stations. In turn, this leads to added social values and crucial society-wide awareness for the transition and active engagement of citizens in the circular economy.