Circular Material Systems

video by Vera van Maaren

Buildings are responsible for a gigantic proportion of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. In many European countries, more than half of the entire waste output is generated by the construction, use, and demolition of buildings. In 2021, 40% of Germany’s total CO2 emissions were caused by the building sector. Experts agree that it’s high time for a fundamental rethink.

The exhibition starts with two widely used historical building typologies that serve as a reference. Then, 15 buildings are shown which demonstrate circular practices. For example, by the use of bio-based materials, the re-use of building components or the use of sustainable mineral systems. The focus was deliberately placed on material and immaterial practices - because only through a comprehensive approach can a new architectural language emerge that is adapted to the age of the Anthropocene. Overall, we see a future where buildings work with nature and not against it.

The works shown were largely created by students of the TU Berlin and are part of the “Circular Material Systems” project initiated by Georg Hubmann and Vera van Maaren. Some of the case studies are still being worked on and are therefore “work in progress”, as is the topic itself. Through an extensive programme and the transformation of the exhibition venue into a temporary lab, circular practices in construction are presented to a public audience, discussed, and thought further.

Research Projects: 

Bombasei Areal, Nänikon, Switzerland
Atelier Schmidt Architekten
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Strohuis Braunschweig, Germany
CHRITH Architects
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Participant in X-Student Research Group 2021/22, TU Berlin
Seminar initiated by Georg Hubmann & Vera van Maaren

Exhibition @Feldfünf Berlin, 05/2022
︎︎︎Circular Practices in Construction



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