CAN WE MAKE A BUILDING FROM WASTE?Reinventing Materials
As a way to reduce carbon emissions and the carbon footprint of architectural building materials to develop a more sustainable future.
If current processes and standards of building construction are not sustainable in their entirety, is there an alternative solution that can be further developed from a more experimental approach? IN ORDER TO FULLY ACHIEVE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE, WE MUST FIRST CHANGE THE WAY WE BUILD BUILDINGS AND WHAT WE ARE USING TO BUILD THEM WITH. |
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM:
Steel, Aluminum, and Concrete are extremely CO2 heavy especially through production and consumption. 40% OF CONSTRUCTION = WASTE FROM MATERIALS If current processes and standards of building are not sustainable, is there an alternative that can be developed? |
THE GOAL:
To reduce our carbon emissions in half by 2050, we need to analyze our building materials We have to reuse and recycle wasted materials to bring down CO2 emissions |
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:
Sustainable alternatives like CarbonCure can reduce CO2 without altering the material’s integrity. Cultivated materials can be just as strong and durable as common materials, but more research needs to happen. Recycling is already a wildly active process, but to be sustainable we need to find a way to reuse materials. |
METHODS
To fully understand the emissions that come from construction processes, we must first understand the materials we are using and why they pose a threat to our environment.
As an industry, architecture must move towards carbon neutral design in order to bring this percentage of wasted material down.
An emphasis must be made on looking into new practices for everyday materials such as concrete and how these materials can be developed in green and cultivated practices.
In order to fully achieve a sustainable future, we must change the way we build.
An emphasis must be made on looking into new practices for everyday materials such as concrete and how these materials can be developed in green and cultivated practices.
In order to fully achieve a sustainable future, we must change the way we build.
CASE STUDIES
CarbonCure as an alternative to concrete
If CarbonCure was activated worldwide, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction would be like taking 150 million cars off the road
In order to develop a superior alternative to concrete, a movement towards cultivated materials as new building construction may not only reduce production costs but create a positive impact on the environment
How marvelous to build in collaboration with nature—to allow the strength of a living thing to forge the walls and floors of a place meant for living
Most of the materials used in the project were donated, especially concrete, seen in the liquefied form of the exterior cast-in-place facade.
Being a non-profit, the budget for the two-story building was very limited. Due to this restraint, the project was built rather unconventionally, using ordinary materials in very different applications
NEXT STEPS: CHOOSING A SITE
COLLAGE
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COLLAGE
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COLLAGE
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SITE 1: ASPROPYRGOS
SITE
- Remote location may influence more local goods
- Lower economy could benefit with recycled content if it reduces costs
- Industrial warehousing segment of Greece
DIAGRAMS
- Understanding transportation for exporting and supplying materials
- Locating where both waste and green resources are within the city
SITE 2: JONA
SITE
- Chosen based on the opportunity to connect with the adjacent university, zoo, and sports complex.
- Proximity to lake is also beneficial for views
DIAGRAMS
- Mapping out surroundings
- Transportation including train system
- Proximity to lake as well as city center
SITE 3: ATLANTA
SITE
- Choosing a location that can be used for material recycling
- Abandoned lot for sale allows for a revival of the site
- Proximity to college offers opportunities
- City is highly influenced by alternatives and green initiatives
DIAGRAMS
- Proximity to college offers opportunties in research
- Influential case studies within distance
WHAT'S NEXT
- Understanding the ecology of site and what these locations/community NEED
- Program: What am I building? What impact will it have?
If we change concrete, can we change the industry? |
Thank You
Sydney Randolph
Sydney Randolph