Panel + networking: Where does material come from, how do we keep it in use?
As designers and manufacturers of new furniture, buildings and building components, we typically focus on how our customers will use our creations - but seldom think about what happens when the customer doesn't need them anymore, or what happens to the materials at the end of the object's life. We have a significant opportunity to use design to help shape a low-impact and sustainable future - but how to we do it in practice?
In this panel discussion and networking event, we'll explore some of the key challenges in keeping potentially valuable materials in use - either as whole components (windows, floors, chair bases, table tops) or as raw materials (concrete, steel, wood). We'll hear from practitioners who have had on-the-ground experience with this. We'll work backwards to approach these challenges with solutions from the point of view of industrial designers and architects, and how we can use design, material selection and technology approaches to keep these material flows circulating.
This event will be held in collaboration with the BauteilBorse and Bauburo in situ. If the COVID-19 situation allows, we will have a limited number of places for people to attend the session in-person at the Bauteilborse in Basel. Information on whether this will be possible will be shared closer to the date.
Who is this event for? The purpose of the event is to facilitate connections between those working in the Swiss furniture, architecture and build environment sectors and related fields and share knowledge and experience. If you work in these fields, no prior knowledge of circular design is needed. The expectation is that participants will have had some related experience and will be able to pro-actively participate in the discussions (for example, in addition to professionals, students, researchers or those working on similar solutions in different fields are welcome). If you are interested but are not sure whether it's the right event for you, please contact us and we can discuss.
This event organised by the Furniture, Architecture and Built Environment Circle, part of the Circular Economy Transition programme in Switzerland that is run by the Impact Hub, sanu durabilitas, and funded by MAVA foundation.