Construction Waste
A Human Perception Instead Of Actual Reality?
N.C. Nossbaum (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Dan C. Baciu – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
The building industry is one of the largest producers of waste materials worldwide. Construction waste can include various materials such as concrete, wood, glass, metals, plastics, and hazardous materials. These wastes streams can pose significant environmental challenges and contribute to pollution and depletion of natural resources. However, they can also be considered potential resources that can be reused, recycled and/or repurposed, contributing to a circular economy and sustainable development. Dealing with construction waste in the built environment has become a crucial aspect of contemporary architecture. It requires a balance between the need for resource efficiency and waste reduction on the one hand, and the design and functionality of buildings on the other. However, waste could also be considered to be a potential ‘raw material’. From this perspective it is to be argued if ‘waste’ is a valid term? Maybe is the way society interprets ‘waste’ just a perception based upon a sincere lack of knowledge how to transform and reuse these residues?
This paper examines the issue of construction waste and whether the perceptions associated with the term are related to the actual reality or are the result of a severe bias.
The research question of this thesis is: Are waste materials in the built environment a problem (pollution) or a solution (resource)?