IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section A
Abstract
Our paper aims to tackle the lack of material circularity across educational frameworks. We present a practical solution to shift the material culture deeply engrained within architectural education. We introduced a model within the Bartlett School of Architecture, aiming to manage and reuse waste materials within the institution’s boundaries. Having observed the waste streams from high production shows, studio clearances and material tests, we’ve established a circular material hub called “FoundersKeepers”. This operates by a student-led process which intercepts materials goods throughout the school, opens them up for student use and provides a platform to store excess/waste materials. At its full potential, our scheme is a symbolic reflection of the shared responsibility of the students, staff and facilities working towards creating sustainable practices from education. As an initiative that has been founded by and integrated into the very fabric of the university, there has been minimal initial costs to set up. It was also practical in highlighting the issues with our waste stream. This simply took place through the curation of waste, which re-contextualized the materials to become a desirable resource for students, without extensive alterations to the existing school’s framework. From existing as a free materials shop, its reach into the school has been significant inspiring lectures, talks and design briefs. The hub has given momentum to many students’ projects and has become a valuable teaching resource for tutors, highlighting the overlooked potential for designing with waste in mind. Waste is a natural outcome of design work, especially in university. However, we believe that much in what we consider as waste should not be discarded. The implementation of circular material thinking throughout the early years of a designer’s career will deeply influence the work of their practice post-graduation. This is where circular thinking should begin.
Marius Sidaravicius, currently in his third year pursuing a BSc in Architecture and Interdisciplinary studies at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London. He engaged with material reuse in architecture throughout his degree, a passion cultivated since childhood and epitomized by the “bricoleur” way of life, as articulated by Lewis Strauss. Moreover, Marius is fascinated by the intersection of storytelling and architecture, particularly in shaping perceptions of the built environment. His dissertation focuses on using storytelling to redefine views on waste, turning it into a resource.
Hannah Simon is a third year BSc Architecture student at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London. She is also President of the Bartlett School of Architecture Society – a student-led society that aims to amplify the student voice and connect students with a diverse range of professionals and members of the wider community through a shared interest in the built environment. She is passionate about innovative, sustainable and community-focussed design. Currently studying under architect Margit Kraft and Toby O’Connor exploring natural materials. Besides FoundersKeepers, there is another project underway of a natural material library within the school.
Harang Seo is a third year BSc Architecture and Interdisciplinary student at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London. He has had a continuous interest within the creative profession and the practical application of design. Through FoundersKeepers, it has opened up the potential of waste as a crucial resource, reconstructing the way we design. He is at present enthusiastic about process driven works in which he aims to incorporate within his own practice. In his final year dissertation, Harang is looking into post-occupancy within buildings and how a building evolves after it has been built.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Monday 15th July, 2024