Going Circular: Uncovering the Spatial Potential of Circular Economic Theories Inspired by Urban Vernacular Environments

Abstract

Without significant changes to the consumption of resources in our cities, the Earth’s demand for material resources is estimated at 90 billion tonnes by 2050, compared to only 40 billion tons in 2010. This unsustainable and wasteful consumption of raw materials in our cities is a model of linear economic thinking. Urban environments must challenge this status quo of linear economic thinking and strive for a more resilient framework explored as the Circular Economy (CE). CE aims to close inefficient resource loops and lead us towards living within our ecological boundaries.

The global north does offer clues on spatially achieving a CE within built environments. This dissertation, however, looked at those systems already in place within informal settlements. These urban vernacular environments such as Plastic View where resources and waste are already being used most economically. This context revealed the circular lifestyle for living within our ecological boundaries in a socially just manner.