My project is a catalyst to raise awareness about the issues surrounding plastic waste by connecting the wider urban community to the recycling process. This is achieved by implementing a new plastic recycling facility within the city center with the ability to transform plastic waste collected from the surrounding city into a new material in the form of 3D printing filament. This will promote the uses of 3d printing as a new form of manufacturing that will aid smaller or individual makers. All aspects of the recycling process can be viewed by the public. To create a transparent process to separate the facility from the stereotype of isolation usually applied to recycling plants.
My project also promotes a circular economic model through the promotion of plastic waste as a core material for new products that can be designed, made and perfected. This has been achieved by including studios, workshops and 3d printing facilities that have been equipped for a range for makers from novice makers right up to professional makers. The different facilities are divided by permeable atriums accessible by all to encourage interactions between the different types of makers.
The implementation of a recycling facility creates a truly circular economic system, spare material produced by professional makers can be used by the novice makers or recycled once more.