Closed Loops, Open Justice

Abstract

In the province of South Holland steps have been taken to create a circular construction industry to mitigate current linear processes. These linear processes include wasteful resource-intensive models that lead to loss of value and depletion of raw materials. However, to achieve a complete circular construction industry, the true social and environmental costs of this transition need to be taken into account. This has shown to increase the initial cost of construction which, if left uncontrolled, would lead to an increasing gap in the provision of affordable social housing. Therefore, the aim of this research is to provide innovative circular construction solutions for the provision of spatially just social housing in the densification of South Holland. There is a focus on the current state and trends of the construction industry in relation to the densification and social housing issues. Through literature review and data analysis the current and future issues are identified to create a toolbox of design strategies. The toolbox contains local production, modular and flexible construction, improved infrastructure, digitization, and transformation and restoration. To explore how a circular construction industry can be deployed in the provision of social housing, our focus is on three different kind of strategic areas: social housing in big cities, social housing in medium-sized cities and (former) industrial areas. The previously mentioned tools will illustrate not only the transition towards a more circular construction industry that supports the provision of social housing, but also shows how it can function as an area that engages people with the transitions towards a circular economy. This will tackles issues of segregation, diversity, equality awareness and participation.