Use of Cradle to Cradle design in landscape architecture
Abstract
There is much talk and focus on the green shift and a more sustainable future in the
contemporary society. World leaders, the media and common people are thinking,
talking and focusing more and more on sustainable solutions to every problem.
Climate change, waste reduction, local consumption, and biodiversity is some
topics that are subjects for many heated debates. Within the issues of architecture,
urban planning and landscape architecture the sustainability notion is present as
well. How can we plan and design sustainable? And what does sustainable mean?
This thesis takes on the notion of sustainability in landscape architecture through
the theory of Cradle to Cradle. The goal is to figure out how to use Cradle to Cradle in
landscape architecture, and if the practice will then become more sustainable. The
thesis aims to make Cradle to Cradle more defined and applicable, by combining it
with more defined topics from other theories.
The outcome of the thesis is a handbook for use of Cradle to Cradle in landscape
architecture. It is not a certification method, even though some of the inspiration is
from the sustainability certification methods LEED, BREEAM and SITES.
The theoretic scope of this thesis is threefold; on sustainability, certification
methods, and Cradle to Cradle. The handbook makes the main part of the thesis,
followed by a case study where the handbook is tried through a conventionally
planned project; the case of Kløftahallen kindergarden.