“Circular Economy in Wilhelmsburger Rathausviertel” is conceived as a pilot project for a new mixed-use residential quarter, centrally located on the IBA site in Hamburg. It is part of the EU-funded research project CIRCuIT, which is developing full-spectrum architectural and urban planning instruments for a fully regenerative, resource-efficient circular transformation of the construction sector.
Our concept centers on holistic circular planning and design. New technologies, innovative materials, and renewables address energy efficiency and help optimize building services. But we are thinking bigger than that, with a view to encompassing the entire life cycle of our buildings. The project also demonstrates the feasibility of attractive adaptable architecture prioritizing social aspects and users’ needs to foster acceptance and identification with the built environment.
Four cities have come together for the CIRCuIT project: Copenhagen, Hamburg, Helsinki, and London. They are exchanging knowledge, showcasing innovative solutions, and creating instruments for circular transformation of their built environments. The project partners in Hamburg—alongside the city government—are Hamburg University of Technology, Otto Wulff Projektentwicklung GmbH, Eggers Tiefbau GmbH, Otto Dörner GmbH & Co. KG, and e-hoch-3 eco impact experts GmbH & Co. KG (Darmstadt). This year’s International Architecture Exhibition in Venice also takes up these issues, with the German pavilion titled “Open for Maintenance.”