GROUNDED FUTURES

Winning solution of the urban challenge “Mineral. Architectures of Urban Mining”.

Submitted by BC Materials, BC Architects and BC Studies.

The proposal explores the creation of new construction materials derived from mineral waste collected in public spaces. This is achieved by combining the direct reuse of waste with the recycling of crushed residues using an innovative natural binder made from alginate, a substance extracted from seaweed. The project places particular emphasis on selective on-site recycling and will develop different types and formats of materials depending on the waste available, with the aim of reintroducing them into the urban fabric and thus reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects.