Urban growth is often associated with a very simple process: demolish to build again. This system produces the 30% of the solid waste of the most developed countries itself and it is clear how this cannot represent the future of architecture. Architect Julien de Smedt (Belgium), along with Norwegian start-up Othalo, has designed a modular housing system entirely made with recycled plastic structures →. Initially intended for developing world areas where housing is essential, it is easily rearrangeable for different existing housing types: cities may certainly house plastic buildings alongside to concrete, wood, clay, bricks and iron ones.
On a smaller scale, in order to embrace a completely sustainable economy by 2030, in 2020 IKEA introduced “buy back” service ←, as to give a second life to houses’ furniture. Discarding a piece of furniture becomes a solution to help others to live in a more sustainable way, especially during the pandemic: to extend the life cycle of the products we already dispose of and taking care of them has become even more relevant.
‣ Julien de Smedt designs range of recycled-plastic houses, DeZeen, 2020 (EN).
‣ IKEA launches Buy Back initiative for unwanted furniture, DeZeen, 2020 (EN).
Furthermore
This dossier refers to the topics covered by the fifth virtuous design practice “Regenerative habits from a proper understanding” and aims at understanding the nature of things and people by going beyond their appearance.
Articles covering the same topics:
‣ Major fashion houses will sell products made from mushroom leather by next year, DeZeen, 2020 (EN).
‣ Secondhand no longer second-best for UK’s “circular economy” consumers, The Guardian, 2020 (EN).
‣ I miti da sfatare sull’economia circolare, Interni, 2020 (IT).
‣ L’architettura del futuro? Cosa succederà, Houzz, 2019 (IT).