Circular Design Week 2024 in Taiwan took place over four days, from October 10 to 13, under the theme “Bioregion-ing Together.” The first two days featured field tours and workshops at four sites across Yunlin County, Chiayi City, and Tainan City, offering participants the opportunity to explore circular design practices across various scales. The program then moved to Taipei City for the final two days, where a conference was held in collaboration with the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI). The conference brought together designers, design researchers, and circular design practitioners from 12 regions across seven countries, including Taiwan, Indonesia, the UK, and Vietnam. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions that extended beyond the narrow scope of circular design, transcending various networks and communities.
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Articles are in progress —— check back in early March for an in-depth look at the Tours & Workshops experience.
These reports were generated using generative AI tools based on the transcripts from each session. While the CDW’24 organizers have made considerable effort to edit and verify the texts for accuracy, please be aware that there still may be discrepancies compared to what was presented or discussed during the conference. Photos provided courtesy of David Kang, @da_kangmera and James Yeh, @jy.__.photo, and are licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
“We are not just trying to slow down growth; we are reimagining what it means to live in harmony with the earth.” Bioregioning is not just a design methodology; it is a story about how we can live together more sustainably and harmoniously with the natural world.
Bioregioning is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical framework for sustainable living based on the act of caring. Aligning our practices with the cycles and wisdom of the land through careful noticing and attunement enables a holistic approach to addressing the environmental challenges of our time.
By embracing circularity that takes into account not only physical material flows but also other values such as social justice, gender equality, and decentralized agencies, urban lifescapes can reduce their environmental footprint, empower local communities, and create inclusive and resilient ecosystems.
Circular design is not just about materials and their physical durability or the efficiency of technical resource management, but also about reconnecting people with their environment and fostering a sense of collective responsibility through the act of caring about, for, and with the multitudinous worlds in which we are inextricably situated.
The shift toward circularity involves not just technological solutions but also a fundamental change in how society views ownership, value, and consumption. From community-driven initiatives to bioregional thinking and the integration of indigenous knowledge, adapting circular design practices to the local context at different operational scales is key.
Take a virtual stroll through our conference photo gallery, showcasing vibrant interactions, dynamic workshop sessions, and memorable snapshots from the reception. Dive into these snapshots for a glimpse of the energy, ideas, and connections that made the event truly special.