Scholarly record

METHODOLOGY FOR THE DESIGN OF A CATALOG OF BUILDING ELEMENTS WITH POTENTIAL FOR REUSE IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OF UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES' OUTDOOR SPACE

María José Márquez Ballesteros, Alberto García-Marín, Esther Rodriguez-Avila

Abstract

This article arises from a joint project between the universities of Jaen and Malaga (Spain), which are developing outdoor prototypes at the University Campus -called Smart-Trees- to improve the quality of exterior spaces for the university community. The starting point for creating these outdoor canopies is using recycled material and elements from other buildings, such as from demolition or disassembly operations. The first prototype was developed at the Malaga University Campus, and the second at the two campuses in Jaen and Linares. Before the design process, the team needed more time to identify the materials and elements in some different locations. So, to implant this recycling initiative as a standard construction process, it needs to systematize the registration of materials from construction sites, warehouses, local industries, and scrapyards, aiming at the elements with the potential to be recycled to promote the reuse of traditionally discarded resources. To encourage collaboration between nearby universities or other institutions, creating a network for exchanging and optimizing materials is crucial, and integrating recycling practices in the design and architectural construction of the university urban spaces themselves is essential. Establishing a methodology for creating an open catalog of reusable materials is necessary to promote sustainability in constructing new urban and social spaces in the university environment. The open catalog would not only allow the identification, classification, and sharing of information on the availability of these resources. Besides, this open register would encourage research into new uses and applications of recycled materials in creating sustainable urban spaces. This interdisciplinary and collaborative approach contributes to reducing the environmental impact of construction, promotes the circular economy, and reinforces the role of universities as agents of change in the sustainable transformation of their environments.

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