It is therefore relevant to investigate how spatial design can contribute to developing and supporting a culture and system of reuse. But as we move towards more regenerative modes of waste management, where waste is treated as a resource, human interaction with the conversion of waste into a resource becomes ever more present in societies and built environments. Public space and waste management are generally considered to be on the opposite ends of the spectrum of what is to be seen and unseen in the built landscape.

More specifically: placemaking practices that try to make sense of, and adjust, people’s relationship to waste-making practices. As a testing ground for this mode of working, it explores publicly shared spaces that treat waste as a resource. It does so through a theoretical and practical exploration of the implications of regenerative design principles for placemaking. This study aims to understand and develop a designerly interpretation of the growing call to move beyond (conventional) sustainability that emerged in the late 1990’s.

Definitions of Cradle to Cradle energy in relation to climate change gases are also provided. It further describes implementation criteria, which allow the innovative integration of defined financial, contract, and design application tools. The framework here provides an introduction to the philosophy then translates the three basic Cradle to Cradle principles into criteria that can be quantifiably applied and evaluated. Cradle to Cradle is well known through earlier published works but most practitioners in the built environment are still unfamiliar with how to apply its principles. This platform generates social, economic and eco-effective benefits, which go beyond the conventional sustainability approach of using eco-efficiency to minimize environmental impacts. Cradle to Cradle consists of a philosophy, quantifiable principles, and implementation tools that together comprise an innovation platform for enhancing the quality of materials, energy and biodiversity. The positive agenda of Cradle to Cradle establishes a new paradigm for redesigning in the built environment.

Braungart cradle to cradle