Preliminary Programme
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00- 09:15 | Check-in & Registration | |||
| 09:15- 10:45 | Keynote lecture Ass. Prof. Dr. Karel Van den Berghe (TU Delft) Moderation: Lena | Keynote lecture Prof. Dr. Mina Di Marino (NMBU) Moderation: Johanna | Keynote lecture Dr. Francesco Campagnari (CEMS) Moderation: Federica | |
| 10:45- 11:15 | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | |
| 11:15- 12:45 | Track 1 & 2 Moderation: Rainer & Meike | Track 1 & 3 Moderation: Rainer & Francesco | Track 1 & 3 Moderation: Linda & Karel | |
| 12:45- 13:30 | 13:00 – 14:00 Check-in & Registration Finger Food | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 13:30- 15:00 | 14:00 Welcome Ceremony & Opening session Moderation: Lena & Federica | Track 3 Moderation: Mina | Track 2 & 3 Moderation: Rainer | Parallel Workshops |
| 15:00- 15:30 | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break | Coffee Break |
| 15:30- 17:00 | Keynote lecture Prof. Dr. Meike Levin-Keitel (University of Vienna) Moderation: Rainer | Track 1 & 2 Moderation: Meike & Karel | Track 1 & 3 Moderation: Mina & Federica | Parallel Workshops |
| 17:15- 18:45 | Track 3 & 2 Moderation: Federica & Lena | 18:00 Movie Night & Talk with Johanna | City Tour with Federica | Group Photo & YA Assembly & Best Paper Prize Moderation: YA CT |
| 19:00 | Campus Tour with Lena | Conference Dinner (self-paid) Werkhof Hannover |
Detailed Programme
Conference Presentation Guidelines
Each presentation is allotted 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. A laptop will be provided for showing your presentation. Additionally, a flip chart is available if needed. Please ensure that you email (aesopyaconference2025@umwelt.uni-hannover.de) your presentation by 8 a.m. on the day of your scheduled presentation.
Book of abstracts
Track 1 Space: Built Environment and Urban Design
Rebound effects in circular ci1es and its preven1on through degrowth planning (Sachi Abe)
From construction materials to food to consumer goods, improved circularity enables more materials to stay within the circular loop, rather than exi1ng as non-renewable wastes. This improvement in resource use efficiency, however, may result in the increase in resource consump1on, as has been seen in the energy sector. This rebound effect, also known as the Javon’s paradox, is caused by the underlying growth-centric socio-economic system. Under the system where economic growth is considered the proxy of prosperity, the energy and money saved by improved efficiency may be used to produce and consume more. Rebound effect holds true for circularity in ci1es as well, where improvements in resource use efficiency may lead to more construc1on and consump1on.
This paper argues that the concept of urban degrowth is useful in slowing down the resource input to the circular loop, thereby preven1ng rebound effects in ci1es. To examine this argument, the paper studies planning policies and prac1ces in shrinking ci1es, where growth-oriented planning no longer holds valid. Cases of policies and prac1ces that are oriented or more open to degrowth are then analyzed to discuss its use for preven1ng rebound effects in ci1es aiming for beGer circularity.
Designing Green Urban Regeneration through Climate-adaptive streetscapes. A case study in the south of Italy (Bianca Andaloro & Alessandro Raffa)
The need to integrate climate-adaptive design into streetscapes’ urban green regeneration is increasing across various scales and geographies. Cities worldwide are transforming their streetscapes and public areas through Nature-based Solutions, preparing for and proactively adapting to current and future climate challenges. Addressing social, economic, and ecological issues from a spatial perspective, they not only respond to environmental challenges but invest in long-term sustainability, circularity, liveability and space quality.. Through innovative design principles and procedures, cities can enhance resilience at different scales, creating streetscapes that withstand the impacts of climate change while promoting community inclusion, well-being and connection.
Supported by two European-funded research projects, this paper delves into the design principles and processes that guide Nature-based Climate-Adaptive regeneration of streetscapes, facing the impossibility of repurposing linear processes and aiming at the urban SDGs. The research develops a three-phase methodology to define a long-term process that envisions urban transformations: (a) research about design, gaining knowledge and insights from different disciplines; (b) research by design, learning from practical experiences of Nature-based urban regeneration; and (c) research for design, applying findings from earlier phases to experimental projects. A database of Climate-adaptive Nature-based urban streetscapes is created, providing valuable resources for understanding and comparing analogous but heterogeneous design practices worldwide. By examining them, the research seeks to establish a taxonomy of design principles to guide the Climate-adaptive Nature-based regeneration of streetscapes, improving space quality, well-being, and urban resilience.
Finally, the research aims to develop a design-driven spatial guideline for the city of Matera (Italy), addressing the current and upcoming climate issues, such as intensive rainfalls, heat stress, and drought.
In conclusion, the paper presents reflections on the role of NbSs on regeneration projects for streetscapes, taking into account the social, cultural, environmental, from a spatial and design-oriented perspective. This design-oriented vision emphasises the need for spatial transformations that promote resilient, climate-adaptive, and future-proof streetscapes.
Rethinking Existing Buildings – A Resource for Sustainable Regional Development (Leo Bockelmann)
This contribution argues for a reassessment of existing buildings as potential resources for the development of smaller cities and communities, based on findings from investigating the perception of industrial heritage and its associated future prospects in the Vogtland region. Currently, especially larger built structures are often perceived as inherited burdens and obstacles to future development, leading to their demolition, often funded by public means. However, these practices overlook the substantial amount of embodied energy stored in these buildings. Additionally, semi-structured interviews revealed that perceptions of vacant buildings evoke mixed responses with the local population: while negative associations focus on aesthetic depreciation, positive connections include intangible factors such as biographical ties to the places. Consequently, existing buildings should be considered both ecological and social resources.
Further, instead of following linear paths of demolition and reconstruction, planning should prioritize incremental, low-threshold developments, such as repairing roofs in a first phase to prepare buildings for reuse on mid- or long-term horizons. Initial examples demonstrate that there are alternatives to demolition and greenfield approaches if local societies, administrations, and higher-level ministries collaborate, as revealed by discourse analysis on the development of certain areas. Thus, with their extensive building stock, rural areas may play a crucial role in fostering sustainable building cultures.
Christian Corral Burau (Christian Corral Burau)
Since the 1960s, the city of Guayaquil has undergone a period of accelerated formal and informal
expansion. This process has resulted in an urban model that is in a state of decline, exhibiting a
number of characteristics that are detrimental to the well-being of the city’s residents. These
include socio-economic disparities, geographical segregation, and the isolation of the city from
its surrounding ecosystems. Furthermore, the curent model does not address the transitions between
land and water, which serves to exacerbate the situation. As a low-lying delta
region, Guayaquil is particularly vulnerable to coastal flooding associated with climate change.
This study employs an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the interaction between sea level
rise, informal settlements, and scenario exploration. The objective is to construct a scenario
framework for urban resilience and sustainability in the context of sea level rise and climate
change for informal settlements in the global south. The research employs a combination of
qualitative and quantitative methods, with the additional support of two empirically developed
computational tools that serve as the foundation for the Scenario Framework. The strategy is a
circular, multistep, multi-actor, and multilayer tool that facilitates the exploration of future
scenarios. Subsequently, the framework was applied in Isla Trinitaria, a large informal settlement
in the city, for the exploration of three scenarios. The methodology develops the traditional
scenario planning approach into a comprehensive framework for sustainable urban design,
offering a transferable tool for global adoption
Sustainable Cities of the Future: Insights from Traditional Anatolian Urban Patterns (Seher Erbey Aksoy)
This research, presented under the track of ‚Space: Built Environment and Urban Design‘, explores the potential of traditional Anatolian urban settlements dating back to the Ottoman Empire as models for contemporary sustainable urban planning. The primary research question is: How can historical urban patterns guide modern circular design practices in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and resource depletion?
The study examines multiple case studies: Boyabat, Edirne, Kastamonu, and the historical peninsula of Istanbul. These cities, with their rich architectural and urban heritage, offer unique perspectives on sustainable urban development. The research methodology involves:
Developing an ecosystem services-based approach in municipal planning (Rossana Pittau)
The crisis of urban planning results in the crisis of the planning paradigms that have sustained urban plans until now. Most of these paradigms had not prevented the loss of biodiversity and ecological fragmentation which has been increasingly occurring across Europe. A change into the planning approach is even more necessary considering the latest European policy strategies on environmental degradation. In the context of urban planning, in order to meet the requirements of preservation of the ecosystems, the primary objective is to integrate the goods and services offered by nature to mankind, in order to regulate the land use. Given these reasons, we must work on the construction of a planning system in which most of the environmental challenges are addressed. The study aims to propose a planning model, in which the role of active protagonist is left to the territory, that is a common asset in collective property, as well as a provider of goods and ecosystem services to be preserved and guaranteed for future generations. The analysis combines analytical and empirical materials (e.g. interviews, planning documents, observations). The results show a possible new system of urban planning, based on new planning paradigms, rules and regulations, with additional competences for public administrations, official practitioners and citizens. This new planning knowledge would contribute both to bring the territory to a central role within environmental questions linked to urban planning, as well as guiding future planning.
Territorial interdependencies: Towards a circular urban-rural planning (Fernanda Gomez Saenz)
The intense urbanisation process has led to a continuous transformation of our cities, resulting in a fragmented and socially segregated morphology. Urban-rural planning often neglects the territorial interdependencies that influence inhabitants‘ morphological, economic, social, and environmental dynamics. This phenomenon makes administrative boundaries obsolete as guides for spatial planning. While circularity can be explored through the integration of various disciplines, the challenge of addressing it from a planning perspective remains pending. Thus, to address the socio-ecological crisis, the articulation of circularity and territorial interdependencies can promote the development of a sustainable and inclusive territory. The present article offers a theoretical discussion aimed at conceptualising interdependencies to contribute to the circular planning debate. It explores theories related to territorial interdependencies, focusing on the values and needs that shape them, considering aspects such as nature, mobility, culture, production, and social factors. Additionally, the paper articulates the interdependence perspective through the lens of circular planning. By characterising these interdependencies, the discussion contributes to the theoretical understanding of circular planning and its potential to reconnect urban-rural territories sustainably
.
Material Flow Analysis of Circular Economy Implementation in the Construction Industry of the
Ruhr Area, Germany (Pauline Jegen)
The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental impacts. Circular
construction practices, which integrate interdisciplinary approaches and emphasize urban
planning, are key to creating sustainable urban spaces and improving environmental,
economic, and social sustainability. While current circular economy (CE) efforts mainly focus
on recycling construction and demolition waste for civil engineering and building materials,
CE strategies extend beyond recycling. They also include designing new infrastructure by
incorporating adaptive reuse, smart manufacturing, and design for disassembly, which can
reduce waste and establish more sustainable material consumption patterns.
This study employs a material flow analysis to examine the impact of CE strategies on the
construction sector in the Ruhr area. Findings reveal that CE practices like reuse and rethinking
are underutilized in the region, but their adoption would lead to better resource management,
lower CO2 emissions, and reduced energy consumption. A scenario analysis for 2023
demonstrates a 58% reduction in primary raw material use and a 66% reduction in
construction waste, with gravel usage decreasing from 2.1 million to 1.0 million tonnes.
Despite the overall reduction, there is an increase in high‐quality construction waste. This
highlights the need for further research into implementing a holistic circular economy in urban
planning.
Morphological Metamorphoses: Assessing Sustainability of New Developments in Historical Centers of Major Russian Cities (Irina Karaselnikova & Maria Karaselnikova)
This study investigates the transformation of urban morphology in the historical cores of major Russian cities during the post-Soviet era, particularly in light of recent heritage preservation regulations. The shift from state’s monopoly over urban planning to legal zoning and land-use regulations in the 2000s triggered the emergence of a spectrum of local approaches to spatial regulation. The evidence from post-Socialists countries show that with the advent of market economy, historical cores become attractive for new development (Hlavček et al., 2016), which was often accompanied by the loss of important morphological
characteristics of the territories in the absence of proper regulation.
Through a comparative analysis of six cities using urban morphology theory (Berghauser-
Pont and Haupt, 2010; Kropf, 2009) and GIS techniques,we trace interventions in the
morphological parameters of the built environment. Our findings reveal that critical parameters—such as lot size, density, and building height—are susceptible to development pressures, resulting in significant alterations to historical cores. Moreover, many new constructions lack sustainability, neglecting environmental considerations and failing to integrate with the existing urban fabric. Despite common challenges, the outcomes vary greatly among the selected cases: some cities face anti-adaptive large-scale development, while others see small-scale incremental developments introducing new typologies.
Our research highlights the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks that protect
morphological integrity while facilitating responsible growth, emphasizing sustainability in
future urban interventions.
Circular Design in Residential Areas: The Case of Freiburg-Vauban District (Elifsu Şahin & Gözde Arzu Sarıcan)
Housing projects developed with circular design principles focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, waste reduction, and minimizing environmental impacts. This design approach aims to optimize every stage of a building’s lifecycle, considering material selection, construction systems, energy use, and even the post-use phases of a project. In this study, the structural and social characteristics of Vauban District, developed according to circular design principles, were examined through the analysis of academic literature and relevant reports. Vauban District in Freiburg, Germany is a sustainable residential area created through the transformation of a former military base. The project integrates circular design, circular economy, and ecological design principles, using passive houses, recyclable materials, and renewable energy systems to achieve low energy consumption. The district prioritizes bicycles and public transport, with limited car use. Community gardens, cooperative housing, and shared spaces enhance social cohesion, while offering housing for various income groups. Vauban stands out as a model where sustainable living and social participation coexist. In this context, circular design not only constructs sustainable buildings but also fosters a culture of living that strengthens social ties, supports the local economy, and enhances community environmental awareness. Shaping housing projects with circular economy principles is crucial for creating more sustainable and livable cities for future generations.
(Un)Fair City: Governance & Planning for Sustainable Housing Equitability in Dublin (Shane Sugrue)
This paper presents a scoping literature review for new research being undertaken as part of C-NEWTRAL, a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network. One of twelve such projects, this research explores the inherent tension between sustainability goals and housing needs in aspiring climate-neutral cities, and how this is governed. Using a case study of Dublin, Ireland, it will examine how sectoral interests shape policy responses and ask whether such influencing processes might be harnessed to improve civic participation in debates around sustainable development. Key objectives include: developing a critical taxonomy for analysing the sustainability-affordability nexus in housing policy at national, regional & local levels; analysing barriers to public participation in decision-making around urban development; highlighting the role of professional expertise in bringing new ideas & practices into governance frameworks; and testing the potential of design / action research as a tool for stimulating broader dialogue around the issues at stake. The aim is to develop an argument focused on the limitations of market-led mechanisms in addressing current crises, and to introduce this argument into public discourse through the C-NEWTRAL NETWORK. This paper makes an initial attempt at framing that argument and thus articulating a speculative research question, along with a tentative methodology for addressing it.
Urban Morphological Analysis and Conservation Strategies for Historical Cities in Ethiopia (Megdelawit Yohannes Yoseph)
The research investigates the historical formation of three cities in Ethiopia using
urban morphological tools with the intention of grasping the rationale underpinning
their urban growth. It also examines some of the problems that this city is grappling
with from the perspective of conservation and recommends some suggestions
conforming to the parameters of sustainable urban growth. Literature reviews,
discussions, maps, and drawings will form the bedrock of the research spotlighting
the study areas‘ historical center. This work adopts the application of the urban
morphological tools of Town-plan analysis and the typo-processual method in the
analysis of historical urban forms and in bringing out essential elements in their
form-making process: the palace, the market, and religious buildings-with the market
and church situated in relation to the palace as centers of settlement.
It was no clear structural framework for the urban forms; notwithstanding, the use of
these morphological tools reveals some insight into the urban landscape that aids in
understanding the fabric of the Ethiopian historical cities. The research also shows
that even though the methodologies of urban morphology have not been fully able to
capture the transformation of these cities because of limited documentation, yet they
provide a scale for urban tissue transformation analysis and foundational urban
elements in the cities. Those pinpointed urban elements are relevant in the process
of formation, an indication of protection and conservation, accordingly intergating
within the framework set by the Authority for Research and Conservation of the
Cultural Heritage of Ethiopia.
The research underlines the fact that inclusion of the urban morphological tools in
the current strategies of conservation will contribute to a better safeguard of the
urban heritage, considering even the recent challenges due to climate change and
urban growth. This research systematically documents the urban tissues of the
historical cores and aims to propose enhancements of current preservation efforts
that contribute to sustainable and resource-saving planning in Ethiopian cities.
Key words- urban morphology, conservation, historic cities, urban intervention
Designing in the Multi-Crises Environment through the Adaptivity Framework (Bianca Andaloro, María Cecilia Chiappini & Frank Suurenbroek)
In light of the ongoing environmental, climate, economic, and social crises, architects, designers, and citymakers are rethinking the (design of the) built environment with an emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. While uncertainty and technocratic processes are prevalent, they also present opportunities to explore future scenarios and recognise the proactive role of change in transformative processes. The concept of ‘adaptivity’, across various design phases and scales, offers a potential approach for envisioning future urban strategies.
This paper takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to examine the different facets of adaptivity and its application in design. By addressing the multi-dimensional nature of space and time, this design approach can support the development of diverse methodologies to tackle urgent circular, economic, climate, and social transitions. Moreover, by revisiting existing theories through a review of literature and case studies, the paper positions them within today’s volatile context and proposes new variables and vocabularies that go beyond traditional frameworks.
Ultimately, this paper seeks to enhance our understanding of adaptivity in the built environment, through student design projects developed in The Netherlands and Belgium where its principles are used to respond to changing conditions, showing a thorough collaboration across research, education, and practice.
Circular Approaches in Landscape Architecture:
Detecting Traces of a Repair Society in European Open Space Design (Jonas Schäfer)
This paper explores how engaged landscape architecture practices integrate principles of a repair society into open space design to foster sustainable circular landscape design. While existing literature focuses mainly on architectural examples, systematic research on landscape architecture design is lacking. This study compares a selection of European public open space projects, analysing their resource approaches using a repair society framework, an ideal contrary to the consumer and throwaway society. Five main parameters identify traces of the repair society in today’s built environment: 1) space as a resource/ valuing what is already there, 2) the pre-existing as a resource/ rethinking material circularly, 3) processes as a resource/ taking ageing seriously, 4) stakeholders as a resource/ enabling co-creation, and 5) everyday life as a resource/ understanding daily needs.
The methodology includes project documentation analysis, site visits, and expert discussions. Additionally, diagrams map material flows, revealing resource dynamics across project phases. Preliminary findings suggest that while some parameters of the repair society framework are already reflected in well-known and tested solutions, others lack strong examples and present opportunities for innovation. The study underscores the importance of fully embracing these principles to advance circular and sustainable design for public open spaces.
Circular Approaches in Landscape Architecture:
Detecting Traces of a Repair Society in European Open Space Design (Jonas Schäfer)
This paper explores how engaged landscape architecture practices integrate principles of a repair society into open space design to foster sustainable circular landscape design. While existing literature focuses mainly on architectural examples, systematic research on landscape architecture design is lacking. This study compares a selection of European public open space projects, analysing their resource approaches using a repair society framework, an ideal contrary to the consumer and throwaway society. Five main parameters identify traces of the repair society in today’s built environment: 1) space as a resource/ valuing what is already there, 2) the pre-existing as a resource/ rethinking material circularly, 3) processes as a resource/ taking ageing seriously, 4) stakeholders as a resource/ enabling co-creation, and 5) everyday life as a resource/ understanding daily needs.
The methodology includes project documentation analysis, site visits, and expert discussions. Additionally, diagrams map material flows, revealing resource dynamics across project phases. Preliminary findings suggest that while some parameters of the repair society framework are already reflected in well-known and tested solutions, others lack strong examples and present opportunities for innovation. The study underscores the importance of fully embracing these principles to advance circular and sustainable design for public open spaces.
Track 2 Links: Mobility, Economy and Energy
Advancing Circular Mobility: Linking Parental Car Dependency to Educational Accessibility in Prague’s Suburbs (Jan Bittner)
Residential car dependency critically undermines circular economy initiatives by escalating energy consumption, inefficient land use, and deepening socio-economic disparities, thereby obstructing the transition to sustainable and resilient urban mobility systems. As urban planners adopt circular mobility frameworks, including 15-minute cities and transit-oriented development (TOD), understanding the factors driving car reliance in suburban contexts becomes imperative.
This study explores the nexus between circular mobility principles and parental car dependency in Prague’s suburban areas, specifically focusing on access to primary education. Utilising geolocated travel diaries from 248 parents and applying regression models, the research uncovers a significant inverse relationship between the accessibility of primary schools and parental car dependency. This association is notably stronger than other built environment factors, underscoring the crucial role of educational accessibility in promoting sustainable transportation behaviours.
Additionally, the analysis highlights the impact of socio-economic variables, suggesting that effective circular mobility planning must integrate economic diversity to enhance inclusivity and resilience. The findings contribute to the circular economy discourse by providing actionable insights for designing low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive urban mobility systems. These insights are essential for reducing car reliance and fostering sustainable, circular communities in suburban regions.
Transportation Connectivity and Urban Perception: A Sentiment Analysis of Istanbul Airport (Selin Aslan Şenol)
This research explores public perceptions of Istanbul Airport (IST) through focused sentiment analysis of Google Places reviews. By examining reviews from both domestic and international passengers, the study assesses how this major transportation hub shapes urban experiences and influences perceptions of Istanbul’s major gateaway. Utilizing Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, the sentiment analysis quantifies the emotional tone of reviews retriewed by Google Places. The analysis focuses on Istanbul Airport itself as well as venues located inside or near the airport, with a particular focus on transportation connectivity, accessibility, and the mobility experience. This research also conducts a comparative analysis between domestic and international passengers to uncover potential differences in how these groups interact with and perceive the airport’s infrastructure and services. The findings aim to inform urban planners and airport authorities about the impact of airport design and operational effectiveness on city perceptions, ultimately enhancing strategies to improve urban connectivity and visitor satisfaction. By addressing passenger concerns about transportation links, sustainable mobility options, and ease of access, the study highlights the importance of airports as more than just travel hubs, but also as key contributors to efficient urban mobility and sustainable city development in user perception.
Accessibility as key criterion for spatial justice (Helena Schuch)
A circular mobility system combines economic efficiency, social equity and environmental compatibility. In this paper, I argue for accessibility as a valuable metric for the social dimension of sustainability in this circular mobility system. The relevance of an accessibility metric goes beyond its common usage in transport planning: an accessibility sufficiency threshold can serve as a minimum level of spatial justice. While the spatial justice debate commonly centres around just cities, the accessibility metric can also shed a light on the question of spatial justice in rural regions. I derive this accessibility threshold with reference to the capability approach and argue that it hinges on three dimensions: individual characteristics such as age or motility level (accessibility for…), destinations to serve basic needs such as education or healthcare (accessibility of…), and characteristics of the spatial and mobility system such as proximity and inclusive design (accessibility by…). This paper presents the conceptual basis for an accessibility sufficiency threshold. The overarching aim is to elaborate this threshold with reference to empirical data, such as individual travel time budgets and walking speeds, mode availability and the spatial distribution of destinations.
Environmental Impact of Circular and Biobased Construction Hubs: Agent-based Modeling of Circular Logistics in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam (Tanya Tsui)
As cities transition toward sustainability, construction logistics represents a crucial sector where circular strategies can significantly reduce urban emissions. Circular construction hubs, which collect, store, and re-distribute construction waste for reuse in new projects, are gaining momentum in the Netherlands. However, their environmental impacts remain largely unquantified. This study addresses this gap by applying agent-based modeling to simulate construction logistics in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam (MRA) under six future scenarios, ranging from business-as-usual to fully circular, bio-based, and modular construction systems. The model evaluates the influence of decentralized hubs, transportation networks, bio-based materials, and circularity on CO2, NOX, and PM emissions, exposing the trade-offs between overall reductions and localized environmental impacts. Notably, while circularity and bio-based materials reduce total emissions, they increase local emissions and transportation movements due to the limited availability of materials from demolition sites. These findings emphasize the need for optimized logistics systems and localized sourcing strategies to achieve meaningful reductions in emissions. This research offers actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to integrate circular and low-emission building practices in expanding metropolitan areas.
The Role of Public Transport Timetables in Spatial and Temporal Inequality (Pınar Gökce)
This article examines the importance of public transport schedules in the development of circular mobility systems, using Istanbul as an example. In circular cities, mobility systems must be accessible, flexible, and efficient to reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and excessive dependence on private vehicles. This research highlights the critical impact of stop locations and service frequency on accessibility. By analyzing bus and metro service intervals, it is shown that frequent and reliable public transport services can support multimodal mobility, reduce reliance on road infrastructure, and promote economic and social inclusivity. The temporal accessibility analysis reveals that areas of the city served only by bus are particularly segregated in terms of time, as demonstrated by the differences in consistency between metro and bus travel times. These findings enhance our understanding of how to align the temporal dimension of mobility services with resource efficiency and social inclusivity goals, thereby positioning public transport tariffs as a crucial component in achieving sustainable urban development objectives.
From car dependency to circular Mobility: a comparative study of Milan and EU cities (Andrea Brambilla)
„In the European Union, many cities are struggling with the challenges posed by car-dominated public spaces, facing significant issues related to congestion, pollution, and the over-reliance on private vehicles. In Milan, large squares and narrow streets are being reclaimed from cars, and the removal of parking spaces to create public areas for people has become a battle in urban planning and politics. These areas can also be transformed into green spaces, such as urban forests, or may simply require a process of de-paving.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Circular Mobility Solutions in Pune Smart City: A RIDIT Analysis (Chetna Rathee)
The rapid urbanization of cities like Pune has led to increased congestion, pollution, and strain on traditional mobility infrastructure. Circular mobility systems, which integrate shared, on-demand, electric-powered, and automated transport solutions, offer promising avenues to address these challenges. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of circular mobility solutions in Pune Smart City using the RIDIT (Relative to an Identified Distribution) approach. By analysing user experiences and satisfaction levels across various circular mobility initiatives, the study explores the relative impact of multi-modal transport systems on reducing congestion, improving accessibility, and enhancing air quality. Through a comprehensive survey of residents, commuters, and key stakeholders, this research will assess the penetration and public acceptance of circular mobility services. The RIDIT analysis will quantify the effectiveness of these solutions by comparing them to a baseline distribution, identifying areas where circular mobility has made the most significant impact. Additionally, the study will highlight factors such as cost-effectiveness, convenience, and environmental benefits to understand the broader role of circular mobility in urban planning and smart city development. The findings aim to provide policymakers and city planners with insights into optimizing circular mobility solutions, promoting sustainable transportation, and fostering a more liveable urban environment in Pune.
Towards Circular Mobility: Rethinking Infrastructure through Environmental Impact Assessment (Davide Vettore)
The transition to circular mobility in urban and regional planning presents an opportunity to rethink infrastructure projects through the lens of sustainability and resilience. This research examines how Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) can guide the integration of circular principles into infrastructure projects, drawing insights from case studies and good practices. The analysis demonstrates that environmental assessment should not be viewed merely as a technical tool but as an integrated process that influences design choices towards more sustainable solutions. It emphasizes the role of EIAs in promoting circular mobility, fostering cooperation between economic stakeholders, local authorities, and integrating territorial resources and knowledge. This approach facilitates the development of multimodal and flexible mobility solutions that help mitigate air pollution and urban congestion, aligning with SDGs 11 and 12, which aim to reduce resource consumption, optimize land use, and transform surplus road infrastructure into green public spaces.The paper aims to demonstrate the value of embedding EIAs into circular planning processes, proposing actionable strategies to enhance infrastructure sustainability. It advocates for a holistic vision for the future of mobility in cities and regions, providing insights that could inform both policy-making and practical applications.
Circular Pathways To A Low Carbon Future: Integrating Urban
Planning for Sustainable Growth (Elif Bengi Güneş Yerlikaya)
The integration of circular economy principles into urban planning and development
strategies is emerging as an important way to achieve sustainable growth,
environmental sustainability, resilience, and increased prosperity in cities and regions.
The aim of this paper is to examine the goal of transitioning to a low carbon economy in
the context of climate change and energy policies, and their strong links with circular
urbanism tools. In light of the data from the United States of America (USA), the
European Union (EU), and Turkey, this paper assesses how circular economy policies
can be integrated into sustainable urban development and how this integration can be
effective in combating climate change.
This research has been conducted through document analysis and content analysis and
has been formed as a comparative case study. It reveals the key factors for the effective
implementation of circular economy policies, such as strong policy support, public,
private, and civil society coordination, advanced recycling and waste management
technologies, material science innovations, and innovative business models. This study
demonstrates the practical benefits of circular economy policies in the transition to a
low-carbon economy through examples of successful implementation in urban areas. By
providing a comprehensive assessment of the implementation processes of circular
economy strategies, this paper is believed to be an important reference source in
achieving sustainable development goals.
Track 3 Communities: Societies, Culture and Participation
Alternative inhabitances: stories from cooperatives in marginalized territories (Catarina Mateus)
Frequently, planning is driven by an urban-centered perspective, according to which the whole territory is either proto-urban or decadent. According to this perspective, suburban areas are seen as unplanned urban areas, while rural areas are understood as undeveloped territories. This perspective assumes that values associated with the current hegemonic model of development are globally accepted. However, there are communities that see in these marginalized territories opportunities to propose different models of development in which circularity and locality plays a central role.
In this communication we’ll present a case of two cooperatives one in Portugal and one in Ecuador. These cooperatives present localized solutions to State-Market marginalization that come from a social and solidarity economic basis, evolving to alternative ways of inhabiting peripheral territories. The Ecuadorian case is Portada Bethania, a family savings and credit based cooperative in which most members live in the suburbs of Quito. The Portuguese case is the Cooperativa Integral Minga in Montemor-o-Novo, a rural area in Alentejo region.
In both cases we see the pluriactivity and search for autonomy materialized in spatial organizations and inhabitants that provoke and question the established way of planning the “development” of marginalized regions both in Global South and Global North.
Prefiguring the caring city: everyday practices and postcapitalist possibility (Louwrens Botha)
This paper frames self-organized collective spaces as prefigurative practices and provisional infrastructures of care in the neoliberal city. Drawing on ethnographic research in four ‚buurthuiskamers‘ (neighborhood living rooms) in the Netherlands, it explores the everyday practices, social relations and personal motivations that activate and sustain these spaces, seeing them as prefigurative of what everyday postcapitalist urban life might look like, based around values such as mutual care, conviviality and entanglement with others. Existing outside of the conventions of market, state, institution and private home, neighborhood living rooms allow participants to ‚act otherwise‘ in the present, expressing their needs and desires around how to live together in the future – needs grounded in interpersonal lived experience and counter to the commodified offerings of the market or the paternalistic norms of the welfare state. Beyond mitigating current shortcomings, they iteratively prefigure what urban life beyond capitalism, and ‚the good life‘ beyond consumerism, might look and feel like at the scale of the everyday. These tangible, embodied practices demonstrate the possibility and viability of alternatives, generate new imaginaries for collective urban life, and cultivate the social relationships and infrastructures necessary for sustaining resilient, caring and pleasurable community life amid and beyond capitalist pressures and concerns.
Adaptive Heritage Reuse: a driver of social innovation and circular economy practices (Elisabetta Carboni)
„The challenges of climate change, social justice, and economic and social inequalities are prompting planners to reflect on how heritage can contribute to the development of sustainable and equitable territories. In this context, territorial heritage, understood as a collection of cultural, social, and environmental resources, emerges as a driver for sustainable and inclusive development.
The purpose of this contribution is to analyze the importance of adaptive heritage reuse as a key strategy within the circular economy framework, highlighting how it can become an active resource for local communities. The active involvement of citizens and communities is essential to ensure solutions that are not only sustainable but also inclusive and socially innovative. Through community contributions, heritage can be repurposed for new uses that meet current needs without losing its historical and cultural value. Moreover, integrating circular practices into heritage management fosters social equity and cohesion, promoting collaborative participation models among institutions, businesses, and civil society.
This work will explore exemplary literature on adaptive heritage reuse, with a focus on the role of communities as catalysts for change integrating circular principles. The ultimate goal is to stimulate constructive and interdisciplinary dialogue to promote circular, innovative, and inclusive cities and regions.“
Beyond one-size-fits-all: Customising smart solutions for enhancing public participation in urban regeneration (Mahshid Cheraghi)
As cities worldwide face the challenges of rapid urbanization and sustainability, smart city technologies offer innovative tools for urban regeneration. This study investigates how these technologies can enhance citizen participation in urban regeneration, aligning with the sustainable and inclusive goals of the European Green Deal and Cohesion Policy. Using Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participation as a theoretical framework, it examines how digital tools, including Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics, can be tailored to address the diverse needs of urban communities. By moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions, the research explores how customized smart enablers can empower citizens, fostering a shift from top-down governance to adaptive, citizen-responsive frameworks. Drawing on Copenhagen—a global leader in smart city initiatives—as a case study, the research identifies key barriers to inclusive participation, such as digital divides and governance constraints. The findings underscore the importance of co-creation and flexible design processes in promoting equitable urban regeneration, offering actionable insights into policy frameworks that support digital and green transitions. This study contributes to the understanding of how smart city initiatives can drive cohesive, sustainable, and inclusive urban development, advancing the European Green Deal’s vision of transformative urban governance.
Community-Driven Circularity: Activism and Environmental Justice In the Transition to Inclusive Circular Cities (Sena Çınar)
„As cities face the challenges of urbanization, environmental degradation, and social inequality, integrating circular economy (CE) principles into urban planning presents a transformative solution. While the circular economy offers a sustainable model through resource efficiency and waste minimization (Geissdoerfer et al., 2017), its potential to address social and environmental inequalities remains underexplored. This study explores the critical role of community-driven activism in advancing circular urban systems, particularly through the lens of environmental justice. Drawing on the concept of prefigurative activism—wherein grassroots communities enact circular economy practices in everyday settings—this research highlights how local initiatives are crucial drivers in the transition to circular cities. Communities not only advocate for more inclusive, equitable urban development but also actively implement circular practices such as reuse, repair, and resource redistribution, thereby fostering resilience and social cohesion. The research utilizes a qualitative case study approach with examples from Turkey, where environmental activism significantly promotes CE principles and resource protection. These case studies show how communities, through environmental justice activism, challenge industrial activities that threaten ecosystems, ensuring circular economy principles meet social and ecological needs. In addition, a thematic analysis of policy documents, media reports, and academic literature will be conducted to understand the intersection of environmental justice and circular economy practices. Ultimately, this study highlights the role of activism and environmental justice in shaping the future of urban circularity, fostering not only environmental sustainability but also social innovation and cohesion.
Informal Circular Economy: Support Interventions at the Grassroots Level (Aditi Daeyi)
„The focus on circular economy (CE) in urban planning emphasizes resource efficiency and sustainable production, often driven by technology and top-down policies. However, in low-income contexts, particularly in the Global South, circularity is embedded in informal economic activities. In Delhi, informal waste workers (WWs) form an integral part of the CE ecosystem by vitally contributing to waste collection, sorting, and recycling. However, these workers encounter significant challenges affecting their health, environment, livelihoods, and dignity, which hampers their full contribution to a sustainable circular system. This study employs a qualitative case modelling approach, integrating a conceptual model of support interventions at the grassroots level, which is grounded in literature from the Global South, with empirical data from key stakeholders in Delhi’s waste management sector, including NGOs, research groups, WW cooperatives, and insights from WWs. The proposed model outlines five pathways for interventions that prioritize support from key actors to empower WWs and foster circular innovation in waste management. The research aims to generate actionable recommendations for inclusive CE practices that align with circularity, just transitions, and informality, contributing to the discourse on ‘circular communities’ and offering valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers focused on equitable and sustainable transitions.
Innovation Hubs and the Fab Region: A Path Towards Circular Communities (Kerstin Meyer & Dorothee Gangnus)
„Concepts on Circular Economy (CE) are emerging increasingly, yet, global circularity is declining (Circle Economy Foundation 2024). This paper examines Fab Regions as an extension of the Fab City approach, which aims to shift from ‚Products In – Trash Out‘ to ‚Data In – Data Out‘ (Diez 2016) and drives change across seven levels (Fab City Full Stack), from local infrastructure to global knowledge exchange. Our research focuses on the role of innovation hubs as local infrastructure to promote community engagement and equitable access to technological resources.
As part of “Fab Region Bergisch City Triangle” – Germany’s first Fab Region to be, including the three innovation hubs “Gläserne Werkstatt Solingen”, “Gründerschmiede Remscheid” and “Gut Einern Wuppertal” which are piloting innovative learning formats – we investigate how the Fab Region approach may add to the regional circular economy ecosystem.
This research explores two questions: 1. How can innovation hubs catalyze circular practices? 2. How can they support Fab Regions and circular communities? Through data and document analysis, and expert interviews with innovation hubs and further stakeholders, we aim to deepen understanding of the Fab Region concept, offering insights for policymakers, planners, and innovation hub managers to promote participatory circular approaches to regional development. References
Circle Economy Foundation (2024): The Circularity Report 2024. Retrieved from https://circularity-gap.world/2024
Diez, Tomas (2016): Fab City Whitepaper. Locally productive, globally connected self-sufficient cities. Fab City Global Initiative. Retrieved from https://fab.city/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fab-City_Whitepaper.pdf“
Public Dissatisfaction as a Catalyst for Circular Urban Development: The Role of Heritage Preservation (Henrik Hågemark)
This study explores how public dissatisfaction with the demolition of historical buildings and the perceived disregard for local cultural heritage can drive both civic engagement and practical frameworks for circular urban development. As cities pursue high-profile development projects aimed at „“putting themselves on the map,““ many local communities are instead advocating for preservation and resistance to these large-scale projects and demolitions, pointing to their detrimental environmental and cultural impacts. In line with the Global Sustainable Development Goals (target 12), this study argues that grassroots movements for heritage conservation and urban aesthetics can align with circularity by reducing the environmental impact of new constructions and strengthening local identity. Through case studies, this text highlights how public advocacy for preservation and architectural beauty can transform discontent into community-driven circular initiatives. It demonstrates how these efforts, by emphasizing reuse and adaptation over demolition, can shape urban policies that minimize environmental impact while enhancing cultural sustainability. This approach emphasizes the potential of community-led initiatives to contribute to more resilient, culturally rich, and environmentally sustainable cities through active citizen participation.
Place-based Social Life Cycle Assessment: In the process of making (Gizem İçer)
„Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) evaluates the social impacts of products, services, and systems, complementing the social dimension of sustainability within the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework, alongside environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and economic Life Cycle Costing (LCC). As the newest of the three, S-LCA is still in the process of making, with no consensus on standardized methods, indicators, or epistemological stances within the scientific community. The UNEP/SETAC „“Guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products““ is the most widely applied framework for S-LCA in the built environment. However, treating the built environment as a „“product““ reflects an Euclidean notion of space, reducing space to a mere container. In contrast, the built environment is a dynamic space shaped by perception, memory, and sensory experience. Therefore, incorporating a place-based approach is critical for accurately assessing social impacts. The objective of this study is to (a) conduct a systematic review of SLCA methodologies and frameworks used in the literature, (b) highlight the gaps regarding place-based approaches in the existing literature, and (c) propose a framework for integrating place-based studies into S-LCA methodologies to enhance the comprehensive and context-specific understanding of social impacts in built environment.
Keywords: Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), place-based approach, social impact assessment, systematic review, social sustainability
Sustainability Through Network of Living Labs: The Urban Phenomena for Co-Creation and Innovation (Eylem Keskin)
„This paper aims to analyze how living labs as urban phenomena foster co-creation and innovation amongst citizens for circularity and sustainability in creating district-level ecosystems. This study aims to examine how living labs enable community participation and collaboration in circular urban planning, particularly at the district level, e.g., neighborhoods and university campuses, which are increasingly recognized as innovation districts. The main research objective is to assess the role of living labs in promoting sustainable transitions through participatory approaches in line with SDGs for 2030. This study adopts a methodology that involves an intensive literature review alongside a multi-case study analysis, focusing on district-level living lab initiatives around the globe.
Recent studies that are conducted indicate that living labs serve as critical platforms for co-creation, where citizens and institutional stakeholders collaborate to implement circular strategies. Urban neighborhoods and university campus settlements, in particular, are shown to be pivotal in driving sustainability due to universities’ role in transformative innovation and knowledge hubs. The study concludes that living labs not only promote sustainability but also enhance co-creation and innovation by creating an ecosystem making them integral to achieving SDGs.
Creative and Cultural Spatial Policies in the UK and India: Towards a Theoretical Framework (Ludmila Kolouchova)
„This research explores the intersection of spatial planning, creative policies, projects and the challenges faced by creative communities in UK and India. These communities, often vibrant contributors to the creative economy, are impacted by urban redevelopment projects. In this context, I argue that circular creative city frameworks, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12, can be leveraged to support these creative economies by fostering inclusive and community-driven solutions. This study examines how circularity can be integrated with cultural diversity and heritage preservation. The role of community participation in co-creating spaces that support creative businesses is emphasised, highlighting models that enable these communities to thrive. This research provides insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to create socially inclusive and circular creative quarters where inhabitants are empowered to flourish in new urban contexts.
Negotiating Path and Material Dependencies of Shrinking Cities and Regions through the Circular Economy: The Emergence of Social Circularity in Parkstad Limburg (Marjan Marjanovic)
Significant dependencies mark the governance of shrinking cities and regions. The circular economy emerges as a valuable tool for the actors in the context of structural shrinkage to create novel development paths. However, realising these opportunities requires active engagement with underlying dependencies. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the impact of the circular economy on path-creation processes in the example of the Dutch region Parkstad Limburg. In Parkstad, the closure of the coal mines and the subsequent restructuring efforts that destroyed all the mining heritage have caused a significant path dependency concerning a deep-rooted public sentiment of lost identity and glorification of the mining legacy. Moreover, recent restructuring efforts in response to growing housing vacancies engender a distinct material dependency. The findings reveal how the traumatic memory of physical destruction has instilled a cautious approach towards residential demolition, prompting the prioritisation of circular construction initiatives as socially acceptable means to counter rising vacancy rates and a strategic pathway to reviving regional identity. To that end, the discourse surrounding circular construction underscores the dimension of “social circularity,” which concerns reusing recognisable physical and social elements of the built environment to restore pride in the mining legacy and maintain a sentiment of belonging within the community.
Perspective of urban management models towards real estate management with articulation of urban actors. Medellin Case Study (Gabriela Mejia)
„The inclusion of models towards real estate management allows urban development and governance to facilitate the integration of actors, leading to fair and inclusive planning.
Objective: This research is framed as part of the doctoral thesis that contributes to the development and analysis of tools to evaluate urban management models from a real estate perspective. It is proposed to analyze in Latin America the case study located in the neighborhoods of Medellín, Colombia. The study identifies the influence of urban actors within citizen participation, which has allowed us to analyze the strengthening of mixed governance as a principle of inclusive cities.
Methodology: Includes a review of specialized literature and the analysis of the case study as references for an urban management model focused on real estate management in Latin America. The principles of real estate management are analyzed towards urban approach, mixed governance and strengthening of citizen participation.
Results: The analysis of the urban management model confirms the importance of integrating mixed governance policies and evaluates the processes with citizen participation indicators as axes of strengthening the neighborhood scale. Conclusions: It is concluded to implement the actions as a pilot and reference for urban management to guarantee the right to equity and social cohesion among urban actors.
Informal habitats and participatory processes in the construction of common spaces in the Asentamientos Humanos in Lima (Daniele Roccaro)
Informal settlements are a global urban phenomenon where, according to UN-Habitat, between 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live. It is increasingly evident, that part of the urban future lies in the informal megacities of South America, Asia and Africa, where traditional ways of conceiving urbanism have been replaced by different configurations of informality. This is the context of the case of Lima, where the city’s informal areas, Asentamientos Humanos (AHs), constitute 70% of the urban fabric.
They are characterized by high human density, a lack of adequate services and infrastructure, and vulnerability to the effects of climate change. However, they are also places of architectural and urban opportunity and experimentation, where incremental approaches and community practices find fertile ground through participatory, spatial self-organizing processes. Many initiatives use collective effort, i.e., human capital, as opposed to economic capital to construct space, with increasing attention to shared water management.
This contribution will examine several initiatives within Lima’s AHs, exploring the profound impacts that circular approaches have on lifestyles, social structures and the general well-being of communities. The goal is to present these frugal ways of living as a valid strategy for adaptation to external conditions, e.g., climatic, economic and political factors.
Reimagining Urban Spaces: A Framework for Circular Cities and Social Sustainability (Deepika Shukla & Srajati Tiwari)
The shift towards Circular Cities and Regions demands creative planning techniques that prioritize inclusive and sustainable communities. To create resilient urban environments, this article offers a thorough framework for rethinking urban areas that incorporate social sustainability and circular economy ideas. Although it is sometimes criticized for being too vague, the idea of the „circular city“ is an important boundary object that promotes cooperation between various stakeholders, such as the government, business community, civil society, and academic institutions. This study examines the mechanistic and vitalist worldviews from different angles in urban planning, drawing on previous research. Mechanistic viewpoints regard cities as manageable systems, but vitalist viewpoints accept the city as a living being molded by interpersonal relationships and neighborhood dynamics. This study makes the case that conversing with these divergent points of view can spark fruitful discussion and help stakeholders work through the difficulties associated with urban experimentation as well as the socio-institutional roadblocks that prevent circular projects from being implemented successfully.The framework offers useful tools for locating and putting into practice circular solutions through the prism of Circular Regions, a multi-stakeholder network that prioritises innovation and collaboration. It emphasizes how important it is to decrease waste and encourage reuse as the cornerstones of sustainable resource management. Through data aggregation and the promotion of cross-sector partnerships, this method helps cities improve community well-being and open up new economic prospects. Ultimately, this research contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development by offering a dialectical framework that bridges theoretical perspectives and practical applications. It aims to inspire planners, policymakers, and researchers to embrace a holistic approach that fosters inclusive, regenerative, and socially sustainable urban environments in the context of Circular Cities and Regions.
Promoting Circular Communities: Learning from Public Participation in Post-Disaster Urban Planning (Irem Duygu Tiryaki Kesler)
The concept of circularity, which progressed under the dominance of the economy, began to change with the association of circularity with society (Calisto Friant et al., 2020). The concept of circular cities (CC), where society’s daily life is seen as part of processes (Ortega Alvarado & Pettersen, 2024) will also be integrated into future policy and urban planning (Bassens et al., 2020). This evolution and integration highlight the importance of embedding circularity not only in economic processes but also in the social fabric of cities. This study explores the transformation of public participation in post-disaster planning, focusing on the aftermath of the February 6, 2023 earthquake in Hatay, Türkiye. While pre-earthquake planning had gradually incorporated NGOs and public involvement, post-disaster reconstruction largely excluded these groups with unique identities, sidelining the public from decision-making. By analyzing literature, and official documents (plans, images, etc.), the research investigates how public participation has evolved and how it can be integrated into circular city principles, which emphasize the symbiotic relationship between cultural diversity and development. The paper argues that communities should play a key role in circular urban initiatives, proposing transparent, inclusive planning practices that align with circular city models to enhance public engagement.
References:
Bassens, D., Kębłowski, W., & Lambert, D. (2020). Placing cities in the circular economy: Neoliberal urbanism or spaces of socio-ecological transition? Urban Geography, 41(6), 893–897. https://doi.org/10.1080/02723638.2020.1788312
Calisto Friant, M., Vermeulen, W. J. V., & Salomone, R. (2020). A typology of circular economy discourses: Navigating the diverse visions of a contested paradigm. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 161, 104917. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104917
Ortega Alvarado, I. A., & Pettersen, I. N. (2024). The role given to citizens in shaping a circular city. Urban Geography, 45(4), 611–630. https://doi.org/10.1080/02723638.2023.2221097
Keywords: Circularity; Circular cities (CC); Public participation; Post-disaster planning; Türkiye
From Abandonment to Engagement
Digital Strategies for Cultural Landscape Management (Erica Ventura)
„This paper aims to develop a framework of innovative digital tools for the analysis, evaluation, and management of cultural landscapes in fragile areas. The study investigates a set of antifragility indicators that measure both tangible and intangible factors capable of generating counter-cyclical processes of strengthening (counter-identity), enhancement, and preservation of cultural heritage in inland areas, thereby promoting renewed habitability and providing a potential antidote to abandonment.
Inspired by milestones in planning culture, such as Giovanni Astengo’s work in Urbino, this study emphasizes the need to initiate processes of territorial antifragilization. It proposes a systematic framework of digital tools for managing cultural landscapes in fragile areas, while considering the practices and lifestyles of the communities that inhabit this heritage.
In this context, community engagement and participation in the co-creation of circular knowledge are crucial for collecting hybrid data and disseminating knowledge and results in a continuous circular process. The paper presents a series of case studies demonstrating how local communities have made a significant impact, exploring various uses of digital tools in managing cultural heritage and shaping interactions with it.
Track 4 Recycling: Waste Management, Nutrition and Food
Examining Circular Design and Planning for Urban Sustainability in Philippine Lakeshore Towns (Janssen Andrew S. Calvelo)
„More than half of the population in the Philippines now lives in urban areas which goes hand in hand with resource consumption, land use, and development planning. With the complex interplay of multiple drivers influencing the urban landscape in the country such as the impacts of climate change and population growth, innovative ways must be explored to ensure the achievement of sustainable development goals including responsible consumption and production and making cities and communities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Evaluating the current planning process and identifying opportunities for towns and cities in the Philippines to explore creative urban design, while leveraging the authority of local government units to manage their territories on behalf of the state, becomes essential. This paper examines how land use and development plans in selected lakeshore towns near Metropolitan Manila integrate elements of circular design and planning. The findings aim to inform local government units and human settlement planners in crafting strategies to improve the sustainability of urban areas in comparable contexts. By examining factors such as land use patterns, green spaces, transportation infrastructure, and community engagement, the study seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
Parisian Waste Pickers: Bridging the Gaps in Circular Economy (Marie Duchêne)
„Waste pickers are often associated with the Global South, yet they play a crucial role in waste management systems worldwide, for example in Paris. This research examines the role of Parisian waste pickers, who operate at the intersection of formality and informality by collecting and reselling solid waste on self-organized markets. The central research question is: Can Parisian waste pickers help close the gap in circular economy in waste management, and if so, how? What is their position within the broader waste management cycle in Paris?
The study employs ethnographic fieldwork through participant observation, alongside the analysis of policy papers and grey literature on waste picking and waste management. The findings reveal a complex network where waste pickers bridge gaps in formal systems by creating overlapping recycling cycles, both locally and internationally. Furthermore, the waste pickers’ markets and practices foster the formation of social communities.
This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the semi-informal economies that underpin urban recycling systems and their potential to enhance sustainability efforts in Paris.
Co-creating Circular Urban Food Systems: Acceptance of Food Waste BioCycling facilities in the dense tropical city of Singapore (Niraly Mangal)
As cities grow and waste management challenges intensify, the search for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. Achieving a circular urban food system necessitates closing the loop between production, consumption, and waste recycling. Food Waste BioCycling facilities uses insect based waste recycling and support nutrient recycling, reducing landfill waste and enabling recycling waste –at the source. While effective for agricultural (pre-consumer) waste, Food Waste BioCycling acceptance within urban residential environments remains underexplored. This study investigates these BioCycling facilities’ acceptance in Singapore’s public housing, focusing on the interaction between circular bioeconomy solutions and socio-spatial dynamics. Through a representative online survey (N=600), we examined how acceptability factors, attitudes, socio-demographic characteristics and neighbourhood morphology influence public perception. Findings reveal that residents‘ acceptance is significantly driven by perceived environmental benefits and risks, highlighting the importance of community engagement. A nuanced pattern of broad acceptance with localized resistance emerges, shaped by prior experiences, place attachment and place identity. This highlights the need for tailored approaches in different neighbourhoods to foster successful circular systems. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the critical role of urban planning in facilitating circular models, with building density and land use mix emerging as critical factors influencing attitudes toward Food Waste BioCycling implementation. These insights suggest that effective circular systems require both technological advancements and consideration of social, demographic, and urban design factors, offering valuable guidance for planning of circular cities.
Advancing Circularity in Urban Food Systems: Exploring Alternative Food Practices in Karşıyaka, Izmir (Zeynep Özçam)
The conventional food system poses significant challenges due to unsustainable production and consumption practices, leading to social inequality as well as ecosystem destruction. In urban settings, food inequalities coupled with inability to access food and malnutrition become even more evident. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach beyond production, incorporating issues of regenerative practices, equal food access, and responsible consumption. Circular approach offers a promising pathway to build more sustainable, resource-efficient, and equitable food systems through fostering local and regional food networks. The adoption of innovative and alternative food practices is essential for promoting circularity, ensuring food security, enhancing equal access to healthy food, and advancing ecological balance. This study aims to explore how alternative urban food practices contribute to development of circular food systems, focusing on a case study from the dynamic urban section of Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey. Through qualitative and exploratory research methods, the study investigates the circularity potential of urban farming practices and alternative food provisioning models. The findings shed light on the role of alternative practices in facilitating the transition to circular urban food systems. Ultimately, the research intends to identify ways to promote circularity in urban food systems, and to contribute to the literature on circular urban food systems and urban food planning.
Towards a Smart Circular Urban Future: Water Management Visions in Amsterdam and Seoul (SaeBom Song)
As cities face growing environmental challenges, integrating circular principles into urban systems is essential for enhancing sustainability and optimizing resource management. This concept is advanced through the smart city framework, where technologies are employed to improve the efficiency of circular systems. As a result, the notion of the „smart circular city“ emerges, combining technological innovation with circular principles.
However, the concept remains underexplored and lacks substantial empirical evidence due to its novelty. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate how urban visions that integrate circular and smart city concepts are co-developed and to identify how these visions shape urban realities and social orders in Amsterdam and Seoul. A specific focus is placed on visions of urban water management in the two cities, which is evaluated with the help of vision assessment while applying discourse analysis.
The concepts of circular economy and smart city have ultimately become complementary and each leverages the other’s narrative to reinforce the development logic. While both cities demonstrate a similar commitment to circularity, notable differences emerged in their governance structures and implementation processes within their specific socio-technical contexts. These findings offer valuable insights, opening rooms for alternative approaches to shaping more sustainable urban environments.
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