FRAGMENTS OF THE PAST A Design Contribution to the Issue of Waste Generated by the Construction Industry |

Name of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)

FRAGMENTS OF THE PAST
URL of a video introducing the work（under 5 minutes）

https://youtu.be/Ic6uV-U0Tkk
Detailed explanation of the submitted project or idea (in English or both English and your language)

The construction industry is characterized as one of the most polluting on the planet. Besides being responsible for considerable environmental, social, and economic impacts, it generates effects in all phases of its production process. The waste produced by this industry, known as construction and demolition waste (CDW), represents about one-third of all waste generated globally. The production of substantial quantities of these residual materials is one of the main challenges faced in urban areas. Considering this issue, one possible path to minimize the consequences generated by this sector is to align it with the circular economy (CE), a development model centered on resource maintenance and economy. The circular economy focuses on reducing, reusing, recovering, and recycling materials and energy.

This study, emerging from a master's dissertation at the University of Porto, in the Faculty of Fine Arts, aims to investigate strategies that help reduce the impact generated by construction waste through the reuse and/or recycling of these materials for applications in the field of design. The research focused on the local flow of CDW in the Metropolitan Area of Porto, Portugal, associating it with waste generated by the natural stone industry (both pre and post-consumer). Materials were collected from local sources, and the upcycling process developed involved several stages: crushing the residual aggregates into different granulometries, mixing them with various binders (and pigments), casting them into reusable molds, and finishing them through sanding and/or the application of a surface coating. Through this process, which resulted in new materials based on the reinterpretation of the traditional terrazzo technique, a set of decorative objects was also created.

The research included exploratory research to understand the main concepts related to the study object and to analyze data on CDW issues. It involved direct contact with professionals from various knowledge areas to extract relevant information on the research topic. For the developed experimental plan, the Material Driven Design (MDD) methodology was applied, focusing on the development of new materials with a sustainable bias.

The research concluded that the cycle involving the construction industry generates impacts that necessitate quick and effective solutions for the management and proper use of raw materials and waste. The waste generated by this sector presents significant opportunities for high-quality valorization that are underutilized. Thus, there is a need to produce various proposals for application in product design that add aesthetic and functional value, reinforcing the intrinsic history of waste flows and maximizing their potential.
How does your work address the 3 P’s (for Planet, for People, for Profit) for Sustainability?

Studies indicate that a substantial portion of the environmental impact of products, services, and infrastructure is determined during the design phase. In the context of product design, the choice or creation of circular materials, developed from waste, plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts generated by the industry, resulting in a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of products developed with these materials.

In this project, waste from the construction industry and natural stone waste, collected from facilities responsible for managing these entities, responsible for waste treatment, construction sites, and quarries, is incorporated. With the goal of reducing the environmental impact by reusing these waste materials, the project successfully created circular materials that incorporate 80% recycled materials in their composition. This approach is believed to substantially reduce the need for virgin raw materials, contributing to the preservation of natural resources and a reduction in the ecological footprint.

From a social perspective, the project aims to raise awareness of the value of waste through product design and involves collaboration with various companies, entities, and organizations. It is expected that, throughout the development of the project, there will be increased inclusion and active participation from local communities.

From an economic perspective, the collaboration among the construction, recycling, and academic sectors not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also results in operational efficiencies and cost reduction for the participating companies. Furthermore, in terms of piece development, reusable molds have been designed to streamline reproduction, aiming to enhance profitability.
Where (country, region, etc.) have you primarily carried out your project?

Metropolitan Area od Porto, Porto, Portugal
What is the timeline your project has taken place over?

2022 - Present
Keywords

#BuildingConstruction #Waste #MaterialDesign
If you have a website for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL

https://mayradeberg.cargo.site/
If you have a social media account for your submitted project or idea, please provide the URL
Special Prize Question 1: Is there a mechanism in place to inherit culture and industry as assets for people living in that area 100 or even 1000 years from now?

The project aims to raise awareness of the value of waste through product design and involves collaboration with various companies, entities, and organizations. Among the specific approaches sought to be adopted are community participation, engaging the local community in the design and production process. Additionally, the project plans to organize local events and exhibitions to present the initiative to the community, raising awareness of the significance of circular materials.
Special Prize Question 2: What is the positive impact on biodiversity? Is the project creating a cycle not just from a human-centered perspective but for the entire ecosystem?

Designers wield significant influence over the lifecycle of a product. It is observed that material consideration is a fundamental aspect, and designers can actively propose new material solutions to achieve more sustainable outcomes by manipulating waste flows and their circular systems. The project is centered on resource maintenance and economy, with a bias towards the reduction, reuse, recovery, and recycling of waste generated by the construction sector. This can lead to benefits for biodiversity, including the reduction of raw material extraction, the promotion of natural habitat conservation, and the decrease in pollution associated with the production of new materials. In this way, the project seeks to create a sustainable cycle that not only benefits humans but also promotes the health and diversity of the entire ecosystem.
Special Prize Question 3: Are you enabling new forms of collaboration with others? New forms of collaboration might include cross-industry cooperation, co-creation with consumers, or role transformations within the supply chain.

"Fragments of the Past" originated within the scope of a master's thesis at the University of Porto, in the Faculty of Fine Arts. The project established a connection between academia and collaborators from the public or private sphere, such as entities responsible for waste treatment, construction sites, quarries, and marble companies. These collaborators played and continue to play a fundamental role in the project's development, providing relevant information on the research topic and waste.

The collection of these waste materials in this collaborative environment not only enriches the research but also plays a vital role in extending the life cycle of these residual materials. This integrated approach, combining academic expertise with the practical experience of industry professionals, highlights the significant potential of "Fragments of the Past" to create more sustainable and viable solutions for waste.