Exploring Local Circular Design Strategies for the 9Rs of Circular Economy in Turkey: Insights from Designers' Perspectives

Abstract

This research explores the potential ways of integrating the 9Rs of the Circular Economy (Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recover, Recycle, and Rethink) within Turkey’s design practices. The circular economy promotes resource optimization and waste reduction by encouraging the reuse and recycling of products and materials, a pivotal concept for sustainable growth. As a developing nation, Turkey navigates the dual challenge of financial constraints and the opportunity presented by its rich tapestry of traditional practices that resonate with circular principles. While developed countries, endowed with extensive resources, grapple with shifting from linear consumption models to the circular economy, this research explores Turkey’s potential to integrate circular design into its developmental framework. The research explores ways of aligning circular design principles with real-world practices and to propose sustainable local/global approaches for Turkey by taking advantage of the valuable perspectives of local designers at various stages of the product life cycle. While foundational understanding is sourced from existing literature on circular economy and its potential adoption in developing countries, the core emphasis lies on primary data collection through discussions with designers, particularly within the context of Turkey. Participatory workshops and design charrettes tailored for designers would foster knowledge exchange on the 9Rs’ application in design by providing a holistic understanding of the landscape. Ultimately, this proposal offers insights into the evolving practice of circular design in Turkey, aspiring to contribute to the broader dialogue on sustainable development in a global context, serving policymakers, businesses, and communities alike.

Presenters

Gizem Hediye Eren
Assist. Prof. Dr. , Industrial Design, Ege University, Bornova, Turkey

Seda Canoglu
Research Assistant, Interior Design, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskisehir, Turkey

Şule Ak
Student, Research Assistant, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskisehir, Turkey

Aysu C. Yılmaz Barış
Research Assistant, Interior Design, Eskişehir Technical University, Eskisehir, Turkey

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design

KEYWORDS

Circular Design,9Rs of Circular Economy,Local Strategies,Sustainable Development