COLLECTIVE HOUSING COMMUNITY Waste. A biproduct and downfall of the linear economy. A model that is embedded throughout the western world; A terrible consequence of a system that evolved into being and was never designed. Nature does not produce waste.We must learn from it and flip the established cultural norms around waste- from an unsightly topic to an untapped resource. This alternative idea is known as the circular economy and the Netherlands are among the leaders in its implementation. Located in Smeetsland, Rotterdam, the hub of the circular movement, this project strives to integrate circular principles throughout its design. Starting with recycled design: steel structure, glass facades, plastic window frames, timber interior lining, concrete flooring, carpet, and insulation from suppliers around the Netherlands. The design recognises the importance of elevating the circulatory system beyond the material level to a day to day experiential one. Therefore, the collective housing community hosts facilities such as repair workshops, producer labs and markets , where upcycled objects can be repaired, crafted, bought, and sold within the local and wider community. In addition to this, art and exhibition space will provide
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a platform to start conversations around waste in a positive light. These deeper levels of engagement with the circular economy will allow the project to move beyond the superficial, material influence on the users, toward a cultural shift. The second major theme of the collective housing community is to counteract the growing loneliness epidemic with collective living. Loneliness is now considered more harmful than obesity or smoking. Despite, or perhaps because of the digital connectedness of this technological age, social isolation is rising at alarming rates (prior to COVID 19). With 61% of adults and 73% of young workers feeling sometimes or always lonely, action needs to be taken to counteract this trend. Much of the world is currently living through the intense mental and physical consequences of social isolation due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Increasing the need to find innovative solutions to enhancing connection in an increasingly physically disconnected world. This housing development is centred around the idea of collective living which creates a community around shared spaces, items, facilities, and company.
