3R- reduce, reuse, recycle

The project aims to solve the modern problem with food and organic waste, which has been accumulating in recent decades, and until now there is no correct architectural solution and system to process it. The project has three main objectives:
1. Closing the cycle of organic products – from the processing of organic waste to the cultivation of new plants,
2. Engaging citizens and improving awareness,
3. Creating an architectural space with an organic form to help the first two tasks by ennobling and improving the urban environment.

The project offers a circular approach to organic waste, turning it into compost, which returns the nutrients back to nature. The proposed building “3R” processes organic waste locally in the neighborhoods, produces vegetables through vertical hydroponics, and thus closes the circle of organic products. Additionally, it aims to inform and engage citizens through a range of public functions (laboratories, open space for seminars and lectures) and direct access to the entire process, thus restoring the human connection to the food production cycle. The process of processing (composting) is based on a study I did, developed within one semester during the Erasmus program at the Polytechnic University of Milan.

The overall project involves creating a modular building to be placed in the neighborhoods. An organic form was created, borrowing principles from biomemetics, that engages and carries the message within itself. The interior of the space has also been developed with approaches to the theme and naturalness. The form of the building is inspired by the form Gyroid. The gyroid is based on a mathematical formula and represents a minimal surface. Gyroid is also found in nature, such as in the wings of butterflies. The shape stands out with high strength in relation to its weight. The building is inspired by the organic world and carries this message encoded within itself. It stands out from orthogonal architecture and makes a referance to the future and what it might look like. It appears between the trees and apartment blocks in the neighborhood and with its sculptural form emphasizes the gray everyday life.

The name of the 3R building is derived from the principles – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.