Course: Unit 07 CircuBED

Our cities are struggling with the effects of the increasing urban population combined with our current unsustainable operating system in which we “take, make, and dispose of”. Urban centres are unable to deliver current priorities like housing, mobility, and economic development in sustainable ways while they remain wasteful in terms of resource consumption and waste generation, and heavily contribute to the climate crisis. Urbanisation and climate change are urging cities to trace new paths towards sustainable futures. An alternative system is proposed by the circular economy approach. It provides a framework to rethink how we design, make and use the built environment to allows us to explore new sustainable ways of producing, consuming and living. It is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. This framework fosters the optimal use of resources while promoting urban resilience, and other positive impacts on the environment, society and economy. A transition to a circular economy can play an important role in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

This design unit aims at supporting students in implementing an inquiry‐based approach integrated into design and combined with critical skills through “learning by doing” and “learning from the place”. Students will be engaged in a process of research and design to generate 1) a strategic master plan for a resilient and responsive neighbourhood in the Former Gasworks site in Grangetown (Cardiff), and then, 2) a consistent comprehensive architectural project in a selected area of the plan.