Future Is Now Living Lab

Future is Now Living Lab is an innovative sustainable lifestyle and circular economy demonstration space that was established in Taipei City, showcasing the possibilities of circular design and sustainable living practices. This groundbreaking initiative, designed by Daisuke Nagatomo and Minnie Jan, transformed a section of the historic Hua Shan Art Station into an experimental venue that operated from July to October 2019, earning recognition with a Bronze A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design category. The 16-meter by 11.2-meter space was meticulously crafted using refurbished and recycled materials, adhering to a strict no-landfill waste concept that exemplified responsible resource management. The laboratory's design incorporated versatile elements such as vertical wooden pallet installations for indoor plants, modular furniture, and a striking ceiling installation created from recycled LED screen film, all of which were designed for post-event recycling or repurposing. The project's significance extends beyond its physical manifestation, as it served as a dynamic platform for more than 20 educational events, including lectures and workshops focused on circular economy principles. This living laboratory emerged as a response to Taiwan's advanced recycling system, which achieved a 55 percent recycling rate by 2016, and sought to address the challenge of unutilized resources in urban environments. The space's construction process itself became an educational tool, involving not only professional workers but also designers and university students, thereby promoting hands-on learning about circular design principles and sustainable construction practices. The project's innovative approach to space utilization, combined with its focus on sustainable development and community engagement, established it as a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable design practices in urban environments.

Author: Adam Dawson

Keywords: sustainable design, circular economy, recycled materials, urban sustainability, environmental education, modular architecture

SOURCES:
https://competition.adesignaward.com/96368

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