Two innovative solutions to reuse the waste from works in public spaces
The two winning projects from the challenge “Mineral. Urban mining architectures” will drive decarbonisation and urban circularity, with innovative solutions that give a second life to the waste generated in reurbanisation work, reducing the environmental impact and moving forward with goals on urban decarbonisation and the circular economy. With 28 international projects put forward, the challenge is to consolidate a key initiative to advance towards more sustainable, circular and resilient cities.
Innovative solutions to reuse materials
The first project, Spolia, presented by the Belgian architecture studio Baukunst and the Swiss laboratory Structural Xploration Lab EPFL, proposes using large mineral pieces from urban surfaces such as asphalt or concrete to create new prefabricated modular construction elements. The system reduces the need for processing and transporting the materials.
The second project, Grounded Futures, by the teams of BC Materials, BC Architects and BC Studies, also based in Belgium, opts for the creation of new materials made from treated waste conglomerated with natural products, promoting an environmentally friendly architecture consistent with the principles of circularity.
Testing and monitoring stages
Both teams will start the research and design stage this autumn before conducting pilot testing in reurbanisation work managed by BIMSA. The results will be monitored to assess their efficiency and their replication potential. The conclusion and final prototypes will be displayed next year during the UIA World Congress of Architects, part of the Barcelona 2026 World Capital of Architecture.
Collaboration and knowledge transfer
The challenge “Mineral. Urban mining architectures” is part of a collaboration agreement between Barcelona Provincial Council and Fundació BIT Habitat to replicate innovative solutions in other municipalities. The Provincial Council has earmarked 100,000 euros to drive knowledge transfer and promote reusing materials and reducing emissions.
