Soto, C; Thomson, C S and Uti Nchor, J (2024) Realizing the potential for circularity in Glasgow through the socio-spatial dimension of urban systems. Building Research & Information, 52(8), pp. 957-983. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
With urbanization trends impacting on levels of greenhouse gas emissions, environmental degradation, resource consumption and associated waste; the quest for stronger mitigation and adaptation approaches has put more pressure on solutions to be viewed at the city scale. A plethora of concepts has emerged under the umbrella of sustainable cities, aiming to make cities greener, smarter, resilient, eco-friendly, decarbonized, and more recently, 'Circular'. This research aims to contextualize the alignment of the circular economy to socio-spatial issues by leveraging the discussions on the implications of circularity in urban planning and design. Drawing on a combination of methods: literature review, stakeholder interviews and the exploration of Glasgow as a case study; a synthetic view of an urban circularity framework is aided by the visualization of four urban systems (building and property assets, social-productive, energy and mobility, and natural and ecological) and initiatives affecting them (policies, plans, projects) enabling a socio-spatial perspective to circularity. Applied to Glasgow, the maps showcased current practices and their potential for moving towards a circular city, promoting inclusive, collaborative planning and stakeholder engagement not only on the macro scale (city) but at the meso (neighbourhood) and micro (buildings/sites/citizens) scales. The framework presents the potential for advancing urban metabolism in a way that is visual and relatable to urban decision-making, and encourages a more holistic interpretation of circularity in the built environment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | built environment; circular cities; circular economy; urban metabolism; urban planning; interview; case study |
| Index terms: | maps, interview, collaborative planning, literature review, drawing, mitigation, greenhouse gas emission, exploration, decision-making, urban planning, visualization, case study, mobility, urbanization, environmental degradation, circular economy, sustainable city, adaptation, circularity, built environment, stakeholder engagement, dimension, resource consumption |
| Subjects: | community and social dimensions, sustainable materials, environmental impact, user focus, data collection methods, health monitoring assessment and metrics, data analysis and analytics, technical documentation, environmental resource management, urban planning, financial risk, urban design, sustainable design, spatial and geospatial analysis, design practice, environmental health, infrastructure and transport systems, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Health and Safety, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management, Governance, Sustainability, Design Practice, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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