Shifting to a circular biobased building sector is imperative to address pressing environmental challenges while meeting societal needs. The construction sector, responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, faces the additional demand of constructing and refurbishing millions of houses by 2050. To achieve sustainability goals set out in the Dutch National Circularity Programme, the Dutch Government has allocated €200 million to transition to a circular biobased building sector, with flax emerging as a promising candidate, especially for fiber reinforced composites, due to its technical properties and suitability for Dutch climate and soil conditions. However, strategies on the spatial integration of a flax value chain do not exist yet.
This thesis addresses the research question: “How could a flax-based value chain be spatially facilitated to sustainably contribute to a circular biobased building sector?” Drawing upon theory on circular and biobased economies, the research investigates the potential applications of flax, the historical evolution of the flax industry, and the spatial, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions of a circular flax supply chain.
By formulating concrete scenarios and backcasting from desired outcomes, the study envisions future trajectories for the flax value chain and lays the groundwork for informed decision-making and strategic planning. A suitability analysis is performed to optimize land use and allocate functions of the flax value chain geographically, resulting in a national plan for the Netherlands. Furthermore, the use of a pattern language, stuctured along the flax value chain, provides a structured and systemic approach to understanding and modifying the system and translates research insights into tangible design interventions.
Lastly, the thesis extends beyond theoretical frameworks to practical implementation, by the application of the pattern language in the case of Lelystad, Flevoland. Through iterative design processes, spatial frameworks emerge as instruments for sustainable land-use optimization and system modification.
In conclusion, while flax emerges as a promising component of a circular biobased building sector, its role is just one part of the broader transition. Acknowledging uncertainties and complexities, and the need for environmental resilience, the research underscores the necessity for adaptable spatial design strategies and continued interdisciplinary collaboration and research to navigate the evolving landscape of the biobased built environment. ... Read more

The transition to renewable energy is necessary and urgent. Fossil fuels are depleting, leading to geopolitical instability and are driving climate change. The climate crisis and growing inequalities are among the greatest problems of the 21st century. Temperatures, sea levels and gas prices are rising. This transition poses spatial and economic challenges for the maritime region of South Holland, as the port is a large hub for fossil energy and contributes greatly to the national economy. The social challenge posed, is to create a fair transition. Some groups are more vulnerable to the transition than others, as they are more prone to be subjected to energy poverty and to potentially lose their (fossil related) jobs. Therefore, we conducted a research on how to create socio-economic and spatial justice for the Rotterdam maritime region through a fair distribution of burdens and benefits in the energy transition. This research resulted in a vision for South-Holland in 2050 ,"from consumer to prosumer", proposing a mainframe and a local frame. The mainframe proposal concerns a large renewable energy landscape in South Holland with a central circular hub in the port. The local frame proposal is the main focus of this report and concerns the vulnerable neighbourhoods that become prosumers instead of consumers. This means that they will not only consume energy, but renewable energy systems will be installed to also produce energy, while at the same time improving the quality of living.

New job opportunities will be created in the circular construction and demolition sector in the neighbourhoods as well as in the port. The Rotterdam region will fully transition to renewable energy, while also decreasing inequality, unemployment and poverty.
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