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.