Kyklos - a lab for a circular neighborhood of creativity, community and cohesion through co-design
Kyklos ‘The Circle’: renovating and reviving a building along social and environmental circularity principles and practices, prioritizing equally people, nature and the surroundings. Kyklos is a community space and lab for the creation of a circular neighborhood, with the building as a reference point. It is the practical application of beautiful design for a circular purpose. It combines functionality and sustainability with aesthetics to provide a new community use for an abandoned building.
Local
Greece
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Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
2022-12-30
As a representative of an organization, in partnership with other organisations
Name of the organisation(s): InCommOn - Innovative Communities Onwards Type of organisation: Non-profit organisation First name of representative: Ilias Last name of representative: Papagiannopoulos Gender: Male Nationality: Greece Function: Project Manager Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: 105 Agia Sofia Town: Thessaloniki Postal code: 54633 Country: Greece Direct Tel:+30 231 600 9518 E-mail:ilias@incommon.gr Website:https://incommon.gr
Name of the organisation(s): STIPO VOF Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Vivian Last name of representative: Doumpa Gender: Female Nationality: Greece Function: Placemaking Expert, Urban Planner and Geographer Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Overhoeksplein 2 Town: Amsterdam Postal code: 1031 KS Country: Netherlands Direct Tel:+30 697 210 2646 E-mail:vivian.doumpa@stipo.nl Website:https://stipo.nl/
Name of the organisation(s): Can Studio Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Lambros Last name of representative: Antaras Gender: Male Nationality: Greece Function: Architect Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Makedonikis Aminis 7, Roman Forum Town: Thessaloniki Postal code: 54631 Country: Greece Direct Tel:+30 231 053 8011 E-mail:info@canstudio.gr Website:https://www.canstudio.gr/
The aim of the project is to renovate and redesign an abandoned building for reuse as a community hub, a lab for circularity, a beautiful and welcoming space for community activities and a starting point for a circular neighborhood: providing a service and community focal point that doesn’t exist in the area and redesigning an existing building for these new uses.
The main focuses are sustainability and functionality, combined with enhancing the aesthetics of the area and creating a new public space that fits with the architecture of the neighborhood. Central to the design and the construction processes was the goal of consuming the least energy and materials and producing the least possible waste, while maintaining a high level of aesthetics and low financial outlay.
This was achieved through employing the principles of circularity: reuse of existing structures and materials, repair of materials and spaces, reclaiming discarded materials and upgrading old items and also through utilizing the Bauhaus approach of using standard manufacturing units, rather than creating bespoke items. Materials were sourced from discarded items at factories and construction sites, while the features and structures of the building were retained, restored and incorporated into the design as much as possible. Central to the circularity principle is social circularity; the process involved the local community, local craftspeople and the three partners working as equal partners in the architectural design and implementation process.
The results are the regeneration of an abandoned building for a completely new use by and for the community, which provides a hub for a wide range of activities and contributes significantly to the regeneration of the neighborhood and the aesthetic upgrading of the street. The design is of high aesthetic value and innovative, yet functional and it respects and reflects the architecture of its surroundings while also running as sustainably as possible.
circularity
aesthetics
functionality
regeneration
community
The sustainability objective is based on designing with and around what already exists: incorporating features and materials-not demolishing structures and producing new materials. This reduces waste and energy consumption while retaining features that fit the surroundings, to create a high-aesthetic architectural result. These objectives have been met by:
1.reusing existing structures for practical and aesthetic purposes.
-internal columns are part of the ‘logo’ of Kyklos
-front glazings draw in natural light-keeping electricity costs low- and engage the public
-original glass windows maintained to give natural light and fit with the original style.
-wood and concrete features restored, upgraded and kept or transformed (e.g. kitchen, internal balcony)
2.sourcing reclaimed materials from building sites or factories. These were fitted to the Kyklos space, rather than planning the look of the space and then ordering bespoke items to fit it. e.g. bathroom tiles, glass and polycarbonate structures for the office, furniture made of discarded wood, reusing furniture etc.
3.utilizing standard manufacturing units to keep the use of new materials and energy consumption in modifying them to a minimum.
4.using one single concrete material to create a new floor (previously uneven and a mixture of textures, materials and levels)
The project is exemplary as it is based on circularity on a materials and function level, and in terms of social inclusion, in that it:
-was carried out with local craftspeople and shows how sustainable construction can be done with mid-level investment, supporting the local economy
-reused every feature that could be reused. Reclaimed and repaired everything that could be.
-used ecologically friendly materials and planned design around what was already available
-was planned to conserve energy in both construction and use
-is an example of how an abandoned building can be re-designed for new use, without demolishing
The key aesthetic and experiential objectives are to: -reflect the neighborhood while offering innovative design -provide accessible and functional spaces for a wide range of activities that are welcoming to a diverse public -reflect the principles of Kyklos - InCommOn’s lab -through the use of materials and the design.
These objectives have been met and are exemplary via the following: -Renovation was planned from the inside-out and outside-in. The interior is designed to reflect the public space outside, and also be attractive to draw the public in. The design connects the interior to public spaces and mimics the urban planning of the city (two large communal spaces-resembling urban squares-linked by a corridor which looks like a street, opening into an area with a balcony).
-The design promotes ‘common use’ and inclusivity by; a front window that displays the first communal space; a small ‘indented hallway’ that links the public street with Kyklos-It has brought new ‘life’ and beauty to the area through its welcoming design among many abandoned buildings. It has changed the character of the street in terms of aesthetics and public safety as it is an ‘inhabited’ building in use both day and night, with lights and activity. -The large community space has an innovative and unique design feature that promotes Kyklos’ principles of inclusivity and multi-perspectivity. There are ‘random’ swathes of blue and turquoise painted on the floor, walls and columns. When looked at from many angles, they seem to be a curve or a stripe. However, when viewed from one spot, it is clear that they form a circle. The Kyklos space is centered around this while reflecting the architecture of the city. -Use of the ‘back yard’. A small area at the back of the building hosts a green space. This faces onto the ‘back’ of multi-story buildings, which is generally not cared for or ‘seen’ in Greece. The ‘garden’ helps to beautify the area and demonstrate a use of this 'back'
Key inclusion objectives: provide a space that is inclusive and accessible for a range of activities and; facilitate use of the space towards community participation in its governance.
These have been achieved and are exemplary by planning the project around social circularity and participatory co-design.
-There are 2 multi-purpose community areas, accessible for people with mobility issues. They can be used at any time of the day or year by a diverse community. The spaces are adaptable to be used in all circumstances and retain beauty and functionality.
-Spaces are used for informal conversations and also host formal meetings/academic discussions
-The office is separated from communal spaces by glass rather than a wall. This gives a feeling of inclusivity, approachability and transparency.
-Kyklos is located in a mixed neighborhood (residential, small businesses, schools)-easy and affordable for the community to access.
-During Covid-19 the spaces were utilized carefully to manage numbers and do activities safely. Even when activities were not allowed in person, Kyklos stayed open and accepted visitors, engaged with the public, informed them about online or outdoors activities and maintained a stable presence. This provided the community with a sense of continuity, and solidarity and established Kyklos as part of the local social fabric. This was possible due to the large front window, the ‘indented hall’ linking the public street to Kyklos and the glass office facing the street window. The public could see that Kyklos was open and could talk to staff safely and legally.
-The design of the building connects to the identity of the nearby public square and acts as an additional public space for people to use.
-The activities are becoming more community-led towards inclusive governing systems. Kyklos is a base for the implementation of a circular neighborhood, and aims at a new societal model based around environmental, economic and social circularity
Citizens and civil society have been involved and affected by the project as active participants from its planning phase, through to its use and governance. Kyklos works with the community as equal partners towards creating a circular neighborhood, developing capacities together.
Elements that contribute to these benefits are:
-The building and all of its capacities (activities, aesthetics, community building, education, social hub, community lab ) are in a neighborhood that is not the city center. This offers something innovative, vital and regenerative in an unexpected place. It gives new cultural, social and economic ‘life’ to the area and is a source of inspiration for community action and innovation.
-Citizens’ (residents, local community and environment groups, small businesses, local educators, local organizations, local craftspeople etc) involvement in design of building, its renovation and its use, builds community cohesion, social solidarity and develops skills
-The provision of an indoor ‘public space’ for community use, as an extension of the public square opposite Kyklos. This allows for community meetings and gatherings in all weather at all times of the day and in any season. It is a practical aspect that enhances the community’s ability to organize and act.
Impact:
The long term impact of the project is an empowered active citizenry that can work towards social and environmental circularity.
Community involvement as partners in all stages of the project has resulted in an increase in active citizenship. The skills and knowledge gained, give rise to local action on a range of issues. It empowers people to make changes in their own lives, educate and support others and contribute to a circular neighborhood. Community involvement (in activities, governance and social research) has also greatly impacted Kyklos to the extent that the project is ‘guided’ by the citizens and is undertaken with and by the community as much as possible.
Local stakeholders were, and continue to be, involved in the design and implementation of the project as the most significant voice and guide of the use of the Kyklos space. The community were engaged in the initial design planning through placemaking work, local focus groups and sustained ‘street work’ to involve their opinions and ideas in the processes. Local craftspeople and vendors were involved from the start as part of the construction, sourcing of materials and creation of furniture and features from reclaimed materials.
The local municipal authorities were contacted and kept in communication throughout the process. Through the ‘street work’ a better understanding of the relationship between the community and the local officials was gained, and the added value of this is that it has laid the foundations for a fruitful ongoing dialogue with the local authorities, resulting in collaboration and cooperation.
The community involvement in the planning and renovation was undertaken via participative co-design. The added value of this is two-fold: firstly, it ensured that the project is relevant, needed, wanted and acceptable by the community, as it has been created with and by the community and secondly, it establishes local citizen engagement from its start, which paves the way for community use, participation and a feeling of ‘ownership’ in its activities and governance, rather than the project being regarded as something ‘imposed’.
The ‘software’ of the design (that is, the non-tangible aspects) involved local and city stakeholders as equal partners. The renovation was planned collaboratively in a group comprising architects, designers, building engineers, craftspeople, builders, urban planners, social scientists, local groups, the local community). The added value of this is that Kyklos is communally and locally owned and is a place for ongoing community interaction and governance, rather than an ‘end product’.
The disciplines and knowledge fields used and reflected in the design and implementation of the project are: sustainable design and circularity, sustainable architecture, urban planning, participatory co-design, community building and stakeholder involvement.
These disciplines were drawn together and utilized through a partnership of equals and cooperation with all of the contributors and participants as equal partners. The project partners (InCommOn, STIPO and Can Studios) worked with local builders, craftspeople, the local community, stakeholders and other building sites and factories to combine circular economy, placemaking, architecture, urban planning and community participation in equal parts, with all actors having a democratic voice and input in the processes and outcomes.
The added value is threefold:
This interdisciplinary approach, with principles of circularity at the core, enhanced and enriched the team’s knowledge and experience of circular economy in practice and how to cooperate among disciplines and stakeholders with maximum social and environmental circularity. Having succeeded on the scale of one building, this methodology and pool of combined knowledge is now being applied to the neighborhood level as an initial ‘model’ and experiment for a more sustainable city: proposing and demonstrating feasible local solutions to the climate crisis and a more circular way of living.
2. The building has been renovated not only ‘for’ the community, but also ‘with’ it, giving it significance and recognition in the neighborhood as a place that is truly for and with the residents
3.The result is fully socially, environmentally and financially sustainable, circular and workable.
Results:
-The building of Kyklos functions as planned-as a community space for activities that promote circularity and inclusivity, constructed with sustainable and circular principles and practices that is functional and beautiful
-The street (with many abandoned buildings) has been revived
-The welcoming, fun, active community space has regenerated the neighborhood
-The street is safer (Kyklos is welcoming space with lights on and activities day and night) and more aesthetically pleasing
-The value of the building has greatly increased and it has upgraded the area, leading to interest in other people renovating abandoned buildings nearby
- a new use for an abandoned building has been proposed, that can work as reference point for other similar actions in the neighborhood
- it is a good example of a low-medium investment renovation with social and environmental goals
- high aesthetic architectural result based on “cozy” urban style
Outcomes:
-Kyklos is a working example of sustainable, participatory renovation and its successful methodology is being shared so that it can be replicated
-A welcoming, space for community engagement with circularity has been established and is functioning well
-It is a focal point for the creation of a circular neighborhood
- an abandoned building with few possibilities to be used in any other way (due to its characteristics) is in use again, for a completely new purpose
Impact:
-Kyklos is a basis for the creation of a circular neighborhood both in terms of offering a community hub and also in becoming more community-led and community governed
- The Kyklos model is designed to be transferable and replicable. Its functioning offers ideas and inspiration as well as practical methodologies for replication in other locations.
- Increased community engagement in circularity in all aspects of life
-Raised awareness of sustainability and circularity issues. Increase in active citizenship
- reduced CO2 emissions
The project is innovative in a variety of ways which challenge the mainstream approaches of construction, building use, community consultation and environmental considerations in the built environment, utilizing principles of circular economy. The design was planned with the principle of social and environmental circularity as its driving force. This involved both the physical elements and the socio-cultural ones. All aspects of the project were designed around what already existed and aimed to retain, repair, reuse and regenerate, as opposed to mainstream approaches which plan an idea in the abstract, then demolish a building to construct the vision, regardless of the existing materials and situation, without sacrificing high architectural design. The reconstruction process was innovative because it reused, repaired, maintained and incorporated existing structures and reclaimed, upcycled and used discards rather than produce new materials. In this way, it conserved energy, produced the least waste possible and gave a new use to existing items.
Participatory co-design with craftspeople, community and other stakeholders on all aspects of the planning, renovation and use is a central and innovative aspect of the project.
In addition, its location-outside the city center- is innovative and unusual. Τhe creation of a ‘public space’ indoors is equally innovative.
Kyklos involves new design ideas which are not only innovative themselves, but also in how they fit with the architecture and enhance the public space. It offers a high level of functional aesthetics within a city that is mainly planned for utility (high-rise concrete buildings). Moreover, the design of the building’s interior not only reflects the concepts of Kyklos (circularity, inclusivity) through the innovative use of painting and perspective, but also practices them-ensuring that the space is accessible, open, welcoming and useable by all for a wide range of activities in all weather and times
The approach combined a variety of methodologies and disciplines, based around the central principle of social & environmental circularity.
In order to include the community as much as possible in the project, Participatory Action Research and Placemaking methods, were used to form participative co-design processes with the local stakeholders. Design Thinking was employed to create a strategy for the long-term use of the building, based around ‘who it is for’ (that- is the present and future community).
Circular Design was employed with regard to both the existing structure and use of materials. Rather than creating a design and then demolishing structures and features to fit it, the circular methodology evaluated the structures and materials, assessed what could be salvaged and reused and then designed the renovation around retaining as much as possible through reuse, repair and upgrading items and features. In addition, materials were procured based on Bauhaus Principles and rather than creating bespoke items to fit a pre-conceived design, materials in standard industrial units were bought, and the design was then created to adapt and incorporate these. Other materials were reclaimed from factories or building sites, or were sourced from leftovers and discards. All of the procedures and materials in the construction were undertaken with the least environmental impact and smallest use of energy consumption and production.
The approach of ‘Agile Design’ was utilized to provide spaces that can be resilient in many different circumstances and that can be used for a wide range of purposes by a diverse community at all times of the day and year as well as in unexpected circumstances (e.g. social distancing due to Covid-19).
Moreover, the design was approached in a way that created durable features that are also easily moveable and adaptable to respond to, and meet changing needs and circumstances, ensuring always inclusivity.
The most significant element which can be replicated, and in our opinion, should be, is the concept of the circular neighborhood. It is a flexible model and approach that can be adapted and applicable to any community.
The design and modifications are specific to this building and neighborhood (they were planned to work with the existing features and space, community needs, identity of the area etc. and to reflect local public space), but the methodologies are replicable and transferable to any location and community.The approach of participative co-design, stakeholder involvement, equal consideration of environmental and social aspects and equal focus on functionality, aesthetics and circularity as central principles, are all replicable and adaptable to any location.
The ethos of inclusivity is applicable to any area. The approach of working in partnership with the community and project contributors, and including the area’s specific environment, location and visual identity as a central axis can be successfully carried out anywhere.
The principle of agile design and the approach of ‘utilizing and reusing what already exists’ will lead to a wide range of different results, depending on the place, materials, technology, products and community. Part of the beauty of the replicability of the methodology rather than specific elements, is that the end results will be hugely diverse depending on the place, the people and the materials in the area.
The building as a space to be used by the community as a spring-board for a more circular neighborhood can also be easily replicated in any setting. With participative, inclusive processes any space can be transformed into a circular economy reference point. This element of the project is easily replicable. With these methodologies, a building can become a community hub and a focal point for a circular neighborhood and through this, tackle climate crises and social exclusion and address local issues.
The project addresses a range of global challenges by empowering citizens to cooperate on local activities and actions towards local solutions.
The global challenges addressed include:
-the climate crisis (and ensuing domino impacts such as migration, overuse of cooling/heating systems in cities to combat unusual weather which produces pollution and consumes energy, increasingly extreme weather, wildfires etc),
-the dominant model of a ‘linear’ economy and consumption (which takes materials from the earth, creates pollution in producing and transporting goods and creates garbage when disposed of) which the Kyklos approach of creating a circular economy aims to tackle
-city pollution (energy use, overuse of cars, etc)
-urban garbage and waste
-over production, over consumption and discarding of unused products and creation of bespoke or new products (extraction of more and more raw materials to produce / build, and then throw away unused / unwanted materials, rather than reclaim, reuse, repair etc. )
- inconsiderate use of water and its management
-lack of community cohesion and solidarity
- lack of individual and group agency to change things
-lack of action about local and global environmental and social crises
- low active citizenship
- low urban social innovation
By providing a space in which to offer support, ideas, facilitation and skills-development to the community, the project fosters the emergence of collective citizen action which can work on local solutions and contribute to addressing global threats.
