Experiential retail, a catalyst to encourage sustainable habits

Abstract

Design discourse (DPD 803) A global crisis of overconsumption and waste is acknowledged and being driven by the needs and wants of consumers (Goodwin et al, 2008), and fed by the retailers (Monnot, Parguel and Reniou, 2015). The general consensus is that small steps of change by multiple people can change the course of this crisis towards a more sustainable consumption model. Within the field of sustainable retail this project aims to address a reduction in waste, caused by retail. Working within the Pretoria suburb of Hazelwood, the economization of the area has had a negative effect on the community in Hazelwood. This phenomenon provides an opportunity to test a model of sustainable retail, both at residential and commercial scale. A zero waste retail intervention provides the opportunity to deal with the problem of waste as well as encourage the community to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. It i argues that this can be achieved through educating clients on waste free habits as well as promoting good practice for their own homes. The design investigation aims to showcase how green practices can inform design, from concept to technical resolution. The project aims to create a social retail environment that can inspire and inform a movement towards zero waste.

Technical Resolution (DIT 803) The technical problem deals with the integration of upcycled/”upcyclable” objects into sustainable technologies to encourage the opportunities of zero waste education. This topic is explored on various scales on the site, from the reuse of the existing structure all the way to the finer details of fixing and constructing the space. The technical problem allows for a detailed exploration into various possible sustainable interventions regarding the indoor climate and material reuse, all of which can be tested through the GBCSA rating tool. The technical resolution will be initiated on the detailing of joining a new structural object onto an existing building and then advance through to the detailing and construction of the structure itself. The technical exploration of this project deals with themes of permanence and the various fixing methodologies required for different expected lifespans, and materials. The overall intention of the technical problem is to deal with the sustainable questions within the project but also dealing with these problems in an innovative and educational manner, that displays how zero waste could become part of your everyday lifestyle.