In the heart of Flanders, a unique experiment is underway, one that could reshape how we think about urban development and the circular economy. At the center of this initiative is Jesse Honsa, a researcher from the Department of Building Physics and Sustainable Design at KU Leuven in Ghent. Honsa and his team are tackling a complex challenge: defining and applying circularity at the neighborhood scale. Their work, detailed in a recent paper published in the journal ‘Buildings & Cities’ (which translates to ‘Buildings & Cities’ in English), offers valuable insights for the construction and energy sectors.
The ‘impaC3t’ living lab, as the project is known, brings together a diverse consortium of experts to advise on case study neighborhoods undergoing transformation. The goal is to address interrelated issues of material use and flow, building utility and usefulness, urban change, and affordability. “We’re not just looking at recycling materials,” Honsa explains. “We’re considering the entire lifecycle of buildings and neighborhoods, from design to demolition and everything in between.”
The living lab’s structure is flexible and co-creative, involving experts from the private sector, public sector, civil society, finance, and knowledge institutions. This broad approach allows for a wider understanding of circular principles and their application. “It’s not about delivering concrete results right away,” Honsa notes. “It’s about setting goals and identifying real-world bottlenecks together.”
The project has already yielded valuable insights. Five case studies show how the living lab’s strategies have evolved as partners, participants, and policymakers widen their views of circularity. For instance, one case study focused on densification and affordability, while another explored material reuse and innovative financing models.
The living lab’s structure has its advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, its flexibility allows for a broad and open definition of problems, fostering creativity and innovation. On the other hand, this same flexibility can make it challenging to deliver concrete, immediate results. However, the insights gained from this approach could significantly impact the construction and energy sectors.
As cities around the world grapple with sustainability challenges, the lessons from Flanders could prove invaluable. The living lab’s focus on collective problem-solving and its broad, interdisciplinary approach could serve as a model for other cities seeking to transition to a circular economy. Moreover, the project’s emphasis on affordability and social housing could help ensure that this transition is inclusive and equitable.
In the words of Honsa, “We’re not just building buildings. We’re building communities, and we’re doing it in a way that’s sustainable, affordable, and beneficial for everyone.” This vision, coupled with the practical insights gained from the living lab, could shape the future of urban development and the circular economy. As the construction and energy sectors continue to evolve, the lessons from Flanders will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving this change.