Circularity presented by RMIT, Polestar and Green Magazine – The Urban Plastic Project

 “Circularity: Materials + Form” will run from June 27-29th in Fitzroy, Melbourne, showcasing projects from the RMIT Master of Architecture Design Studio and Research Elective

Urban Plastic Project from RMIT Architecture on Vimeo.

Inspired by the urgency to combat environmental degradation and harness the potential of plastic recycling, this project envisions a structure capable of adaptive design.

The principle of design emphasises the implementation of reclaimed components to decrease the project’s carbon footprint while fostering circularity. The idea behind such structure was to create a building that rebuilds itself.

A renovation project that builds itself and continues to recover through wear and tear over the years. We take end of life plastics, remould and incorporate them into the building. This makes it locally sourced, easily accessible and independent of third-party suppliers.

The design is interpreted in a way to focus on the overflow of plastic demonstrated by the concept
of the oozing plastic with the inflation and deflation of the nylon façade system, while the interior undergoes modular changes in terms of plasticity with functionality that aligns with this concept – like an ever-expanding balloon within a rigid frame.

Through innovative approaches such as modular construction, self-repairing materials, and smart technologies, this building aims to redefine our relationship with the built environment. As we stand on the cusp of a plastic revolution, this design principles embodied here challenge our capacity to create a more sustainable responses within the built environment.

This is just the start of a revolution in recycled plastic, but instead of recycled plastic bottles, it’s entire buildings!

JEREMY GIRVAND, MANISHA MURTHY & RANUGA ALAKESHWARA