PATHS TOWARDS A The Potential of Social Design for Social Transformation
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PATHS TOWARDS A
The Potential of Social Design
for Social TransformationPATHS TOWARDS A
CIRCULAR SOCIETY
The Potential of Social Design
for Social Transformation
social design lab
Position paper on the concept of „Circular Society“
by the social design lab of the Hans Sauer FoundationContent
1 The Linear System in Crisis:
The Need for Transformation.
05
2 09
The Circular Economy:
A Promising But Insufficient Sustainability Strategy.
3
No Economy Without Society: 21
The Idea of A Circular Society.
4 27
Leverage Points for Circularity: New Forms of Knowledge
Production and Participatory Solution Development.
5 Designing Social Innovation and Transformation Processes:
The Potential of Social Design in the Transition to A Circular Society
33
Places of Circularity I 39
Mehrwerthof (Circular Value Center) Markt2 Schwaben
Places of Circularity II 45
Circular Cities
Summary 51
& Conclusion
Impressum
591 The Need for Change
In the current social and economic There is now a widespread consensus in
model, most use of resources and pro- science and politics: We need to tran-
ducts follows a linear pattern, namely sition to a more sustainable economy
“take, make, waste.” Consequently, the and lifestyle, i.e., a socio-ecological
majority of resources such as natural transformation [2][4][5]. This necessity
raw materials or processed products for change raises questions about how
are incinerated or end up in a waste to realize such a transformation and
disposal site instead of being consist- about the potential of circular economy
ently recycled and reused. At the same approaches for achieving said transfor-
time, global material consumption has mation.
increased eightfold in the past 100 years
[1] and is expected to rise by a further In its thematic focus on a “Circular
17% by 2050 [2]. The consequences of Society”, the Hans Sauer Foundation
The Linear System in Crisis: this increased resource scarcity, climate
change, as well as water, air, and soil
addresses the question of how to sub-
stantially change the prevailing structu-
pollution, just to name a few [3]. Other res and practices of linearity. The scope
The Need for Transformation. direct or indirect consequences of linear of this question goes beyond necessary
(economic) structures and ways of changes in, for example, the area of
thinking and acting are the externaliza- products, their manufacturing and esta-
tion of environmental effects and blished ways of disposal. Special
exploitation along globalized production attention is also placed on participato-
lines. ry approaches for establishing social
practices that center around and enable
circularity as well as new ways of
societal thinking and acting; beyond
dividing lines of sectors and functionality
and the socio-cultural patterns that have
emerged in the “linear age.”
051 References
The Hans Sauer Foundation approaches The social design lab also works on
the subject area at various levels and projects related to the concept of circu- [1] Krausmann, Fridolin; Gingrich, Simone; Eisenmenger, Nina; Erb, Karl-
Heinz; Haberl, Helmut; Fischer-Kowalski, Marina (2009): Growth in global
in different formats: The Hans Sauer lar society, from experimental real-life materials use. GDP and population during the 20th century. In: Ecological
economics: Jg. 68 (10), S. 2696-2705.
Award 2019 entitled “Designing Circular projects to theoretical and conceptual
Society” and the following year’s compe- approaches and research. [2] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) (2011): Towards
a Green Economy. Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty
tition “Designing Circularity in the Built Eradication, Sustainable Development. Verfügbar über: https://www.
Environment” honor innovative solu- This position paper first outlines the unenvironment.org/explore-topics/green-economy (Letzter Zugriff:
09.03.2020)
tions that promote concepts and actions potential as well as problems and short-
centered around circularity in various comings of the concept of a circular eco- [3] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2013): Towards the Circular Economy.
Economic and business rationale for accelerated Transition. Verfügbar
areas. Additionally, since February 2020, nomy. Second, it establishes the thesis über: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/pu-
the Hans Sauer Foundation has offe- that the transition towards more circula- blications/Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy-
vol.1.pdf (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
red a funding program focusing on the rity is better conceptualized and realized
[4] Geissdoerfer, Martin; Savaget, Paulo; Bocken, Nancy M.P.; Hultink,
connection of circularity and education. through the societally broader approach Erik J. (2017): The Circular Economy – A new sustainability paradigm? In:
The social design lab (see page 35), of a circular society. This is linked to the Journal of Cleaner Production: Jg. 143 S. 757–768.
established by the foundation in 2018 thesis that new forms of knowledge pro- [5] Lessenich, Stephan (2016): Neben uns die Sintflut. Die Externalisie-
and generously supported by the IKEA duction and participatory development rungsgesellschaft und ihr Preis. Berlin: Hanser.
Foundation, acts at the operative level of solutions offer particularly promising
and as agency and laboratory for social approaches for such a transition. The
change processes. The lab develops new approach of social design, as it is reflec-
processes, formats, projects, and events. ted in the work of the social design lab,
The main focus is on methods of partici- will serve as an example of this.
patory design whose application follows
a special process and impact model
aimed at transforming social systems.
06 072 Potentials of the Circular Economy as A Sustainability Strategy
The concept of circular economy can In recent years, the concept of circular
be traced back to different schools of economy has gained popularity in poli-
thought and sets forth an approach for tics, business, and science at national as
far-reaching changes within an econo- well as international level [3]. The Euro-
mic system. Circular economy connects pean Commission [5][6], various national
material flows (raw materials, biomass, governments (e.g., the Netherlands,
water, energy, etc.) and all cycles are Japan, and Germany), consulting firms
closed. Products and materials are (e.g., Accenture, Deloitte, McKinsey) and
designed and constructed in such a way think tanks (e.g., the Ellen MacArthur
that they can be repurposed at the end Foundation) examine and promulgate
of their life cycle or can be reintegrated circular economy approaches as a viable
into technical or biological cycles (see sustainability strategy for individual
The Circular Economy: graphic p.10). One important factor is a
design which is geared to longevity and
economic sectors and product groups as
well as entire national economies or the
A Promising But
focuses, among other things, on repa- global economy as a whole [7].
rability, dismantability, modularity, and
emotional ties to products and things. In In addition to minimizing or completely
Insufficient Sustainability Strategy. addition, a circular economy only uses avoiding negative environmental conse-
those resources and energy sources quences, the circular economy approach
that do not have a harmful effect on emphasizes economic potential, e.g.,
health and nature. In this way, a circular through the creation of innovative busi-
economy is to contribute to the conser- ness models and synergy effects (e.g.,
vation of resources and waste avoidance industrial symbiosis). Change is realized
by means of effective and regenerative predominantly through technical inno-
recirculation. Extended use and life vations and system adaptations in the
spans as well as new services, help to framework of largely stable socio-politi-
“decelerate” production and consump- cal continuity [8].
tion. [1][2][3][4]
092 The Biological and the Technical Cycle
The Primary Role Model: Nature Industrial Symbiosis in Kalundborg,
There is no waste in nature. On the Denmark
Biological Technical contrary, substances go through a The industry in the Danish coastal
cycle cycle cycle and form the basis for new city of Kalundborg, has established
Energy supply Raw material life at the end of their life cycle. In a numerous cycles. An industrial sym-
renewable extraction diverse ecosystem, the waste from biosis combines the logic of natural
one species is the food of another ecosystems with that of the classical
Agriculture species in a diverse ecosystem. economic system. The by-
products and residual products of
Use/ one company are used as resources
Supplier
recycling by another company. Kalundborg
Natural
regeneration began developing this process more
than 40 years ago. Today, a
Manufacturer Reprocessing
stably functioning circular economic
Biogas
system creates jobs and brings eco-
nomic and environmental benefits
Composting Service provider, Reuse/ to numerous businesses, including
distributor further use
smaller ones, as well as to the local
population. [11]
Extraction
of biochemical
raw materials
Maintenance/
Cascading
prolongation
Consumers Users
Incineration
Waste disposal
site
Hans Sauer Foundation according to [9] and [10].
10 112 From a Linear to A Circular Economy 2 A Mypoic Concept of Circularity
LInear Economy Recycling Industry Circular Economy Despite the increasing relevance of Circular economy focuses on economic
circular concepts, their global preva- value creation and technical innova-
lence is marginal, at best: The annual tions and, consequently, neglects other
Circularity Gap Report [12] estimates sectors and social fields of action. In this
the “gap” to be closed for achieving full regard the concept is in continuity with
circularity at over 90 %, i.e., the linear, other strategies for greening existing
consumptive use of resources continues forms of economy, such as the green
to be the globally predominant pattern. economy or the blue economy.
Furthermore, not all successfully imple-
mented circular economy approaches However, thinking and acting along
deliver the desired results, one exam- linear patterns of production and
ple are rebound effects, a well-known consumption is a society-wide pheno-
phenomenon in the field of resource menon whose transformation requires
management [1][8][13]. far more than technical or product-
oriented approaches: It requires the
Circular economy, as a model exclusively re-design of social practices, societal
centered around market and economy, structures, and cultural patterns along
provides no solution to profound the various steps of value creation,
According to the motto “take, In Germany, the first legislature Following nature’s example, problems such as the externalization of starting with raw material extraction
make, waste,” a linear economy to initiate a circular economy a circular economy connects ecological and social costs, nor does it all the way to recycling and further use.
uses or consumes raw mate- was passed in 1996 and focused material flows (raw materials, address the general suitability of
rials and products to ultimately primarily on improving waste biomass, water, waste, energy, competition-oriented models for a
dispose of them as waste. management and recycling. etc.) and cycles are closed. circular future.
Recycling temporarily There is no waste whatsoever.
reintegrates valuable materials
into a cycle. However, the high
recycling rate is deceptive.
In fact, a large portion of
materials is not recycled but
incinerated. Traditional waste
incineration is highly damaging
to the environment.
12 132 Value Creation
Linearity not only dominates the pro-
duction and value chains in our economy Hierarchy of Knowledge
it is also deeply inscribed in existing Society values knowledge diffe-
societal rules, standards, laws, orga- rently: “Productive” knowledge, i.e.,
nizational forms, infrastructures, and knowledge about manufacturing
UL
RECIRC ATION
value systems that have emerged in the processes and their efficiency is
“linear age.” For example: deemed more valuable and yields
Diss higher financial returns in the linear
ect am
Coll ble system than, for example, knowled-
So rt Deco
mp
ose ge about the renewal of things and
RE
materials. Knowledge about repair,
SO
Pricing and Industry Regulation
Re use
maintenance, and reuse of resources
ir
Re
U
pa
Economic industries involved in ma- and products underwent a continu-
RC
Te
Bi
nufacturing and production are usu-
chn
ous devaluation during the formation
EE
olo
U SE
ally highly profitable, while industries
ical
of the Western consumer and throw-
gica
X TR A
involved in resource recovery are of- away society in the 20th century and
resour
l nutr
ten far less so. Take the construction was increasingly lost in the course
C T ION
industry, where the reuse of building
ients
of this process [17]; in many relevant
Use
ces
components is largely underfun- disciplines, such topics are not part
ded. Due to market-based pricing of the curriculum. In many design
Circular Society and highly efficient manufacturing and architecture courses, for exam-
where ways of thinking
methods, new components are often ple, the use of sustainable materials
and acting center around
Mak
circularity. cheaper than the labor-intensive and the reuse of existing materials
e
recovery and refurbishment of used plays a marginal role, at best.
ac
n
ce
sig
components that are in principle still
ss
e
De
ib
functional. Furthermore, the well-
l
developed structures, logics and
Tra
AC nsp O processes within the industry make
N
o rt Produ
ce I
CE
SS U CT it difficult to establish integrative
OD
PR
circular approaches. [15][16]
Hans Sauer Foundation [14]
14 15Social aspects such as participation,
Values global social justice and quality of life
In the past, economic growth brought are not sufficiently taken into account
Western societies far-reaching social within a conceptual framework that
progress and material prosperity. focuses exclusively on economic viability
The underlying assumption of the and profitability.
growth paradigm is that of cheaply
available natural resources and A shift toward substantially circular
labor, which to this day forms the practices requires more than an eco-
foundation of the linear pattern of logical modernization of production,
“take, use, waste” [18]. Despite the distribution, and consumption. What is
knowledge about the limits of our needed are not only changed material
planet, the finiteness of natural and energy flows, infrastructures, and
resources and increasing socio-eco- business models, but new knowledge
logical crises, this paradigm is still and new educational content, new forms
deeply rooted in politics as well as “Reality is made up of circles, but we
of organization and cooperation, new
in the everyday life of many and its norms and standards, changed values, see straight lines.”
critical reflection is often insufficient and much more. Fully exploiting the
[19]. transformative potential of circularity,
understanding and addressing the ne-
cessary socio-cultural change seems to
require adding a social dimension to the
concept of circular economy.
Senge [20]
16 172 References
[1] Buch, Rajesh; O‘Neill, Dan; Lubenow, Cassandra; DeFilippis, Mara; [11] Dahl Sönnichsen, Sönnich; Clement, Jesper (2018) Kalundborg Sym-
Dalrymple, Michael (2018): Collaboration for Regional Sustainable biosis for the ”Win win Gothenburg Sustainability award 2018”. Verfügbar
Circular Economy Innovation. In: Marques, Joan und Satinder, Dhiman über: http://www.symbiosis.dk/en/systems-make-it-possible-people-
(Hrsg.) Handbook of Engaged Sustainability. Cham: Springer Internatio- make-it-happen/ (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
nal Publishing. S. 703–727.
[12] Wit, Marc; Verstraeten-Jochemsen, Jacco; Hoogzaad Jelmer; Kub-
[2] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2013): Towards the Circular Economy. binga Ben (2019): The Circularity Gap Report. Closing the Circularity Gap
Economic and business rationale for accelerated Transition. Verfügbar in a 9% World. Amsterdam: Circle Economy.
über: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/pu-
blications/Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy- [13] Braungart, Michael; McDonough, William (2016): Cradle to Cradle.
vol.1.pdf (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020) Einfach intelligent produzieren. Ungekürzte Taschenbuchausgabe, 4.
Auflage. München [u.a.]: Piper.
[3] Geissdoerfer, Martin; Savaget, Paulo; Bocken, Nancy M.P.; Hultink,
Erik J. (2017): The Circular Economy – A new sustainability paradigm? In: [14] Hans Sauer Stiftung (2019): Hans Sauer Preis 2019: Designing
Journal of Cleaner Production: Jg. 143 S. 757–768. Circular Society – In Kreisläufen denken. Verfügbar über: https://www.
hanssauerstiftung.de/inhalt/uploads/3_BeschreibungPreisträger.pdf
[4] Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2019): Kreislaufwirt- (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
schaft – Ein Ausweg aus der sozial-ökologischen Krise? Schriftenreihe
Nachhaltigkeit: Eine Veröffentlichung der Hessischen Landeszentrale für [15] Leising, Eline; Quist, Jaco; Bocken, Nancy M.P. (2018): Circular
politische Bildung. Wiesbaden. Economy in the building sector: Three cases and a collaboration tool. In:
Journal of Cleaner production: Jg. 176 S. 976-989.
[5] European Commission (2016): Closing the loop: New circular economy
package. Brüssel. [16] Ruiz López, Luis A.; Ramón, Xavier R.; Domingo, Santiago G. (2019):
The circular economy in the construction and demolition waste sector – a
[6] European Commission (2019): The European Green Deal. Brüssel. review and an integrative model approach. In: Journal of Cleaner Produc-
tion: Jg. 248 S. 119-238.
[7] Prendeville, Sharon; Cherim, Emma; Bocken, Nancy M.P. (2018):
Circular cities: mapping six cities in transition. Environmental innovation [17] Krebs, Stefan; Schabacher, Gabriele; Weber, Heike (2018): Kulturen
and societal transitions, 26, S. 171-194. des Reparierens. Bielefeld: transcript Verlag.
[8] Zwiers, Jakob; Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2020): [18] Patel, Raj; Moore, Jason W. (2017): A History of the World in Seven
Circular literacy. A knowledge-based approach to the circular economy. Cheap Things: A Guide to Capitalism, Nature, and the Future of the
In: Culture and Organization: Jg. 272 (4) S. 1-21. Planet. Oakland.
[9] Ellen MacArthur Foundation; SUN; McKinsey Center for Business and [19] Meadows, Donella; Randers, Jorgen; Meadows, Dennis (2004) A sy-
Environment (o. J.) Infographic: Circular Economy System Diagramm. nopsis: Limits to growth: The 30-year update. Chelsea Green Publishing
Verfügbar über: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular- Company.
economy/concept/infographic (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
[20] Senge, Peter M. (2006): The fifth discipline: The art and practice of
[10] Institute of Design Research Vienna (IDRV) (2019): Qualitätsstan- the learning organization. Überarbeitete Aufl. New York, London: Crown
dards für Circular Design: Gestaltungskriterien für eine nachhaltige Business.
Entwicklung. Verfügbar über: http://www.designaustria.at/system/as-
sets/5506/original/qfcd_19_web.pdf (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
18 193 Circular Society: Development of an Idea
Circular economy approaches are ill publication on this topic: In their paper
equipped to address the societal chan- “Circular Economy – a way out of the
ges needed to achieve full circularity of socio-ecological crisis?” [1], Melanie
resources – as has been shown in the Jaeger-Erben and Florian Hofmann exa-
analysis above. Based on this analysis, mine the potential of circular economy
the Hans Sauer Foundation considered concepts for a socio-ecological transfor-
the concept of circular society to be mation. They consider the perspective of
more adequate for grasping the far-rea- a circular economy to be short-sighted
ching changes necessary in numerous as it only focuses on business and tech-
areas of society if materials and pro- nology, which is why they develop the
ducts are to be managed in cycles in the “future scenario of a circular society” [2]
future. The concept of a circular society in order to address concepts of social
No Economy Without Society: reflects that circularity would have to
become the essential guiding principle,
sustainability and social justice.
The Idea of A Circular Society.
structuring principle, and principle of In the following, the Hans Sauer Foun-
action for numerous areas of society, si- dation and its social design lab pre-
milar to past concepts such as industrial sent their view on the idea of a circular
society or consumer society, represen- society which aligns with the abovemen-
ting two social formations closely linked tioned works. Additionally, we argue that
to the linear system of production and methods such as those of social design
consumption. can support the social innovation and
transformation processes that such
The concept of a circular society also a transition requires. Finally, we will
highlights the potentials in the areas of present real-life approaches that con-
social togetherness and cooperation ceptualize said transition by becoming
unlocked by a focus on circularity. This “places of circularity.”
is because a circular society – to a much
greater extent than the linear system
– will depend on cooperation, participa-
tion, sharing of knowledge, transparen-
cy, accessibility, and solidarity. Similar
considerations can be found elsewhere,
such as in the research group “Obsole-
scence as a Challenge for Sustainabi-
lity (OHA).” 2019 saw the first German
213 Systemic Approach for Systemic Change
Since the beginning of the Anthropocene Substantially changing or abolishing Indeed, circular economy develops a Jaeger-Erben and Hofmann [1] account
at the latest, i.e., an age in which human unsustainable processes and their con- systemic understanding of economically for these facts by adding a third sphere,
action has become the most import- sequences requires adopting a systemic generated material flows and mate- the “sociosphere”, to the biosphere and
ant influence on ecosystems and their perspective that views social, ecologi- rials in the biosphere and technosphe- technosphere of a circular economy.
processes, environment, society, and cal, and economic processes in context re that goes far beyond other existing They supplement the basic design prin-
economy can no longer be thought of as rather than individually [3]. approaches. However, the concept of ciples of biosphere and technosphere
discrete. However, the effects of cur- circular economy neglects structures (see chart p.9) with initial suggestions
rent economic value creation on society Additionally, and according to a strict and patterns of resource consumption for principles of a sociosphere (see
and nature are far more complex and understanding of sustainability, econo- as well as human behavior, cultural chart p.24).
far-reaching than one might assume. my must be understood as a subsystem practices, social interdependencies, and
For example: Experts are convinced that of society, embedded in the natural en- normative attitudes that have emerged The authors focus on the principle of
the food demand for an exponentially vironment [4]. within society. But resource extraction, circular literacy, which describes those
growing world population, for example, production, ways of usage and resour- knowledge-based skills that make it
could be met in the short term by means ce recovery [2], to give just a general possible to understand and respect na-
of more efficient technologies in the example, is directly impacted by how tural cycles and material flows [1] and to
Environment
agricultural sector. It is to be expected, people perceive, value, and interact with develop and implement circular models
however, that these kinds of “solutions” the natural world, the structures and which promote a sustainable develop-
cause further socio-ecological problems Society infrastructures in which their actions ment [6].
such as soil degradation, loss in bio- take place, and how they assign value
diversity and lower resilience. Mitigating and utility (monetary, emotional, social) According to the understanding of the
Economy
symptoms cannot change the inherent to technical things. Hans Sauer Foundation and the social
contradictions of the system. Major so- design lab, the path to a circular society
cio-ecological crises are not “external”, Changing social norms and standards, requires new types of knowledge and
there are direct consequences of human paradigms, values, and flows of infor- skills (circular literacy) as well as new
action. mation are far more profound leverage forms of organization, cooperation, and
points for the transition towards a more coexistence – all characteristics of the
sustainable system than mere technical sociosphere as described by Jaeger-Er-
optimizations in the production sphere ben and Hofmann.
[5].
22 233 Balance of The Biosphere, Technosphere, and Sociosphere 3 References
[1] Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2019):
Kreislaufwirtschaft – Ein Ausweg aus der sozial-ökologischen Krise?
Schriftenreihe Nachhaltigkeit: Eine Veröffentlichung der Hessischen
Principles of the Landeszentrale für politische Bildung. Wiesbaden.
Sociosphere
[2] Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2019): From Take-Ma-
ke-Dispose to a Circular Society. Introduction of a new vision in six
Circular Literacy and propositions. Research Group ‘Challenge Obsolescence’. Berlin.
new forms of organization,
collaboration and [3] Meadows, Donella H. (2008): Thinking in systems: A primer.
Pricinples Principles White River Junction: Chelsea green publishing.
coexistence.
of the of the
[4] Döring, Ralf; Ott, Konrad (2001): Nachhaltigkeitskonzepte.
biosphere technosphere
In: Zeitschrift für Wirtschafts- und Unternehmensethik: Jg. 2 (3) S. 315-
Energy supply/ Raw material 342.
renewable extraction
[5] Meadows, Donella H. (1999): Leverage points. Places to intervene
in a system. Hartland.
Agriculture [6] Zwiers, Jakob; Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2020):
Circular literacy. A knowledge-based approach to the circular economy.
In: Culture and Organization: Jg. 272 (4) S. 1-21.
Supplier Use/ [7] Ellen MacArthur Foundation; SUN; McKinsey Center for Business
recycling and Environment (o. J.) Infographic: Circular Economy System Dia-
Natural
gramm. Verfügbar über: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
regeneration circular-economy/concept/infographic (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
Manufacturer Reprocessing [8] Institute of Design Research Vienna (IDRV) (2019): Qualitätsstandards
für Circular Design: Gestaltungskriterien für eine nachhaltige Entwick-
Biogas lung. Verfügbar über: http://www.designaustria.at/system/assets/5506/
original/qfcd_19_web.pdf (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
Composting Service provider, Reuse/
distributor further use
Extraction
of biochemical
raw material
Cascading Maintenance
/prolongation
Consumers Users
Hans Sauer Foundation according to [7] and [8]
24 254 New Forms of Knowledge Production and Use
The production and distribution of know- laboratories, or participatory forms of
ledge has become the crucial foundation research in “citizen science” [3]. These
for politics, economy, and culture, which approaches all consider the participa-
explains the popularity of analyses that tion of civil actors from practice to be
refer to western societies as “knowledge relevant and important in the production
societies” [1]. The way knowledge is of knowledge.
produced, shared, and used fundamen-
tally influences the course of trans- These actors are relevant not only
formation processes [2]. Existing ways because their involvement promotes
of thinking and acting are mostly based societal participation, but rather be-
on empirical values and institutiona- cause actors operating at local/regional
lized, established know-how that has level amidst sustainability challenges
Leverage Points for Circularity: been produced not least in the attempt
to address issues of the existing sys-
are often more aware of and thus more
familiar with the respective level of com-
New Forms of Knowledge
tem. Changing these ways of thinking plexity than scientists and can therefore
and acting requires different types of play an important role in problem iden-
new knowledge: First, it is essential tification and solution development [2].
Production and Participatory to understand the existing systems of The development of locally applicable
knowledge production and distribution but globally connected solutions is en-
Solution Development. (system knowledge) – but also how to
identify goals and expectations of a
riched by shared learning processes bet-
ween different actors and the building of
sustainable transformation (target local communities and circular networks
knowledge) and which methods help [5]. This type of knowledge production
to meet these goals and expectations and utilization has the potential to close
(transformation knowledge) [2]. the still dominant gap between know-
ledge and action [2].
Such an understanding of knowledge
increasingly challenges the superiority
of scientific knowledge over other types
of knowledge; the increasingly complex
societal challenges require new forms
of knowledge production. Examples
are: transdisciplinary sustainability
research, transformative research,
experimental approaches such as real
274 System, Target and Transformation Knowledge 4 New Knowledge and Skills
Circular literacy [1] as a concept ade- Circular literacy can support understan-
The transformation to a circular society quately describes the knowledge ding patterns and practices of linearity
requires new knowledge and new required for a circular society and the (see Circular Economy, p.9) which in turn
skills – related to the understanding of necessary skills for action. Zwiers et can help to identify and acknowledge
systems, setting goals and transforma- al. draw on the previously mentioned leverage points for a transformation
bility. distinction between system knowledge, towards more circularity. The leverage
target knowledge, and transformation point as well as the outcome of transfor-
knowledge, which is widely used in mation are (new) forms of organization,
transdisciplinary research. A transition collaboration, and coexistence. This
Transformation Knowledge to a circular society requires all three includes substantial changes in mate-
types of knowledge. Characteristics of rial and energy flows, infrastructures,
How can we achieve our goals? How can circular literacy are innovative, systemic, and business models, but also a change
we use aspects of linearity as leverage and reflexive thinking, the ability to tho- in social forms of cooperation, values,
points for a transformation to circularity roughly understand and manage com- norms, and paradigms. In the process,
and get closer to our idea of a circular plexity as well as the ability to cooperate the prevailing guiding principles of
society? and design across different disciplines economic practice must be replaced by
and social differences. Circular literacy new narratives, which do not focus on
provides the foundation for embedding business efficiency and logic of profit or
human action in the biosphere and for economic growth but have their starting
finding creative solutions to achieve point in goals such as socio-ecological
circularity in the technosphere. Circular sustainability and thus transversal justi-
literacy promotes proactive participation ce or the creation of quality of life [5].
Target Knowledge System Knowledge in a circular society, in particular its pro-
duction and consumption systems [5].
What do we want to achieve? Where do we stand? What are
What is our vision? What current aspects of linearity and
constitutes a circular society? what constitutes them?
Linear Society Circular Society
Transformation knowledge
System knowledge Target knowledge
29
284 References
[1] Zwiers, Jakob; Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2020):
Circular literacy. A knowledge-based approach to the circular economy.
In: Culture and Organization: Jg. 272 (4) S. 1-21.
[2] Abson, David J.; Fischer, Joern; Leventon, Julia; Newig, Jens;
Schomerus, Thomas; Vilsmaier, Ulli; von Wehrden, Henrik; Abernethy,
Paivi; Ives, Christopher D.; Jager, Nicolas W.; Lang, Daniel J. (2017):
Leverage points for sustainability transformation. In: Ambio: Jg. 46 (1)
S. 30-39.
[3] Defilia, Rico; Di Giulio, Antonietta (2019): Transdisziplinär und
transformativ forschen. Eine Methodensammlung.
Wiesbaden: Springer-Verlag.
[4] Umweltbundesamt (UBA) (2017): Transformationsforschung.
Definitionen, Ansätze, Methoden. Dessau-Roßlau
[5] Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2019): From Take-Ma-
ke-Dispose to a Circular Society. Introduction of a new vision in six
“The development, application, and propositions. Research Group ‘Challenge Obsolescence’. Berlin.
teaching of circular literacy requires
co-creative and transdisciplinary
processes in practice.”
Jaeger-Erben and Hofmann [5]
30 315 Shaping Social Transformation
New approaches, supportive structures, In view of the increasing relevance of
and sustainable processes with trans- such structures for initiating and deve-
formative potential are the necessary loping change processes, i.e., “social la-
drivers for acquiring circular literacy and boratories”, the Hans Sauer Foundation
transitioning to a circular society. has initiated such a laboratory, funded
In the current discourse on social trans- by the IKEA Foundation, and supported
formation processes, “intermediary by project partners: The social design
infrastructures,” “innovation labs” [1], lab uses the approach of social design to
“real labs” [2] or “living lab for trans- master social challenges – such as the
formation” [3] are becoming increasingly transition to a circular society. Social de-
relevant. All of them offer spaces of sign uses methods and approaches from
cooperative culture in which actors from design and other creative disciplines
Designing Social Innovation and different fields can jointly develop and
test innovative solutions under protec-
to initiate change processes, hence the
name [4]. Social design focuses less on
Transformation Processes:
ted and favorable conditions. designing objects than on initiating and
Such places and infrastructures, which designing processes of social change [5]
enable the application of transformed [6]. Social design – at least according to
The Potential of Social Design in the ways of thinking, have become increa- the understanding of the social design
singly important especially at the local lab – builds on a transformation model
Transition to A Circular Society level. The local level, i.e., the level of clo-
se proximity, is where, on the one hand,
that wants to achieve change from the
individual all the way to the systemic
societal challenges become particularly level.
manifest and immediate answers have
to be found on a daily basis. On the other
hand, the local level offers room for
experimenting and learning; it is where
new solutions can be tested and mis-
takes can be corrected relatively easily
[1].
335 Circular Literacy in the Social Design (Lab) Process
In combination with the knowledge and Inherently transdisciplinary processes This approach analyses local manifes-
Social Design stands for methods,
expertise of other disciplines such as enable shared and incremental develop- tations of the linear system – actors,
processes, and skills that enable
the social and cultural sciences, the ment of new solutions. These solutions established ways of acting, locations,
transdisciplinary knowledge produc-
methods and practices of social design are then tested in real-life for their processes, etc. – against the concept of
tion about local/regional problems,
are consistently harnessed to initiate effects and their viability [4][7]. In this a circular society and examines lever-
the collaborative development of
transformation processes. way – following Zwiers et al [8] – age points for transformation. In light of
visions and the identification of new
transformation knowledge is created constant uncertainty about temporally
solutions and ways of implementing
The Lab translates its understanding of and societal transformation and inno- and spatially decoupled consequences
them (generating/developing know-
social design in a work process of vation processes are triggered, which of actions and extremely accelerated
ledge and skills).
participatory, iterative, open-ended, and are then actively shaped by people and processes (9), goals and visions are not
bottom-up solution finding. therefore – it is hoped – receive wide specified in detail, but are continuously
Researchers, actors from practice, and and long-term support. At the same and jointly (further) developed within
others involved act as equal co-desig- time, new knowledge and skills are the framework of the process. Analyzing
ners contributing their diverse skills and strengthened which in trun creates the and reflecting the system is not only the
their formal and informal knowledge. corresponding new practices, offers and starting point but integral part of the The social design lab is a laboratory
infrastructures. entire design process. In this respect, for social design processes. It initi-
both the process and the methods ates change processes and provides
used are in a permanent “beta state,” an infrastructure to test, develop
characterized by continuous reflexive and also sustainably establish new
questioning, innovation, and adaptation. knowledge, new skills and new forms
There is continuous participatory and of organization, cooperation, and
collaborative production of target know- coexistence (infrastructure for alter-
ledge, system knowledge and, in parti- native narratives).
cular, transformation knowledge – all
Linear Society Circular Society part of circular literacy. The result – as
the social design lab believes – are inno-
Transformation process
vative, adaptive, and socially “robust”
System knowledge Target knowledge solutions to societal challenges. [4][7]
34 355 References
[1] Howaldt, Jürgen; Kaletka, Christoph; Schröder, Antonius; Zirngiebl,
Marthe (2018): Atlas of Social Innovation – New Practices for a
Better Future. Dortmund. TU Dortmund.
[2] Defilia, Rico; Di Giulio, Antonietta (2019): Transdisziplinär und trans-
formativ forschen. Eine Methodensammlung. Wiesbaden: Springer-
Verlag.
[3] Jonas, Wolfgang; Zerwas, Sarah; Von Anshelm, Kristof (Hrsg.) (2015):
Transformation Design. Perspectives on a new design attitude. Basel:
Birkhäuser.
[4] Hans Sauer Stiftung (2019): Über das Lab. München. Verfügbar über:
https://socialdesign.de/ueber-das-lab/ (Letzter Zugriff: 11.02.2020)
[5] Banz, Claudia (Hrsg.) (2016): Social Design – Gestalten für die
Transformation der Gesellschaft. Bielefeld: transcript Verlag.
[6] Papanek, Victor (1985): Design for the Real World. Human Ecology
and Social Change. Chicago: Academic Chicago Publishers.
[7] Haus des Stiftens (2019): Das social design lab der Hans Sauer Stif-
tung. München. Verfügbar über: https://www.hausdesstiftens.org/
social-design-lab-hans-sauer-stiftung/ (Letzter Zugriff: 11.02.2020)
[8] Zwiers, Jakob; Jaeger-Erben, Melanie; Hofmann, Florian (2020):
Circular literacy. A knowledge-based approach to the circular economy.
In: Culture and Organization: Jg. 272 (4) S. 1-21.
[9] Steffen, Will; Broadgate, Wendy; Deutsch, Lisa; Gaffney, Owen;
Ludwig; Cornelia (2015): The trajectory of the Anthropocene: the
great acceleration. The Anthropocene Review: Jg. 2 (1) S. 81-98.
36Recycling Center Turned Mehrwerthof
In the Bavarian town of Markt Schwa- In this project, the social design lab,
ben, the social design lab used the together with Markt Schwaben, ander-
PLACES OF
new construction of the local recycling werk GmbH and other partners, examine
center as an opportunity to initiate a whether and how it is possible to add or
social process of local transformation. break the established patterns and dis-
CIRCULARITY I
Recycling centers are an integral part of posal chains at this center by creating
the existing linear system of disposing new cycle-oriented offers such as repair,
of materials and things. Recycling second-hand goods trading, production
centers cannot change anything about sites, educational formats, exchange
the design and manufacturing process opportunities, material exchange plat-
Mehrwerthof (Circular Value Center) of products; they are at the end of the forms, and more. Such a new type of re-
use phase in the linear chains. Still, cycling center is to be actively co-desig-
Markt2 Schwaben they offer opportunities for downstream ned by local people so that results and
measures to reduce ecological and so- innovations receive broad and lasting
cial consequences and close cycles. The support, and a new place of communal
downstream strategy of managing the life is created. Topics related to climate
enormous stock of materials that is al- protection and the use of resources are
ready in the world and rarely considered to be made tangible and placed in the
for further use and recycling will remain context of communal needs. The new
an important task for a circular socie- Mehrwerthof can thus function as a pla-
ty for decades to come. In Germany, ce of circularity, as one of the necessary
recycling centers are the hubs for such new places in a circular society where a
downstream measures: They collect and regenerative use of resources is actively
transfer things that lost their value for lived and broadly anchored in society.
their owners. Recycling centers are part
of a differentiated waste management Citizens, project partners, and interdi-
system and allocate the material accor- sciplinary teams from Munich University
ding to “fractions” to different recycling of Applied Sciences cooperated in local
or disposal contexts. Depending on workshops using participatory social
the material class, these fractions are design methods to identify needs, ideas,
developed to varying degrees, ranging and visions and to develop them into a
from those with high recycling rates for concept. The result was the vision of a
metals to composites made of plastics, Mehrwerthof that comprises various
which are mostly incinerated. circular modules and components.
39Circular Dimensions of the Mehrwerthof
In novel alliances between the muni- The locally adapted concept of the Mehr-
cipality, social economy, foundation/ werthof is suited for being transferred
lab, universities of applied sciences and to other communities or urban contexts.
citizens, pilot projects were initiated for These considerations tie in with the
the following modules: Repair events, question of how the entire “metabolism”
events for exchanging materials, proto- of a city can be thought of and designed
typical design and construction of street in a more circular way and thus become
furniture from recycled material, and a place of circularity as a whole.
much more. The unifying idea is to test, Repair Integration
establish and connect as many circu- and Inclusion
lar initiatives and impulses as possible
Circular Society
in the community. Later, these can be
located in the vicinity of the newly built
recycling center.
Vision Sharing
The vision of the Mehrwerthof is not a
fixed goal but is continuously extended Mehrwerthof
and developed in an open and creative Upcycling
process in line with changing needs.
Likewise, there is ongoing production
of knowledge about aspects of linearity ?
and about approaches to change said Production
aspects – both with the active participa-
tion of citizens, as well as in cooperation
Recycling and
Education
with universities and universities of Further Use
applied sciences. [1][2][3]
Hans Sauer Foundation [2]
40 41Recycling Center with Potentials References
[1] Haus des Stiftens (2019): Das Social Design Lab der Hans Sauer
Stiftung. München. Verfügbar über: https://www.hausdesstiftens.org/
social-design-lab-hans-sauer-stiftung/ (Letzter Zugriff: 11.02.2020)
[2] Hans Sauer Stiftung (2018): Mehrwerthof Markt² Schwaben. Mün-
chen. Verfügbar über: https://socialdesign.de/portfolio/mehrwert-
hof-markt-schwaben/ (Letzter Zugriff: 11.02.2020)
13-16% 13-19%
[3] Hans Sauer Stiftung (2019): Über das Lab. München. Verfügbar über:
https://socialdesign.de/ueber-das-lab/ (Letzter Zugriff: 11.02.2020)
[4] Messmann, Lukas; Boldoczki, Sandra; Thorenz, Andrea; Tuma, Axel
(2019) Potenzials of preparation for reuse: A case study at collection
points in the German state of Bavaria. In: Journal of cleaner production:
Jg. 211: S.1534-1546.
Depending on the type of waste, Another 13–19% could be
13–16% of WEEE, used exploited by changing
furniture, and recreational collection, storage, and
items could be directly pro- treatment of waste [4].
cessed for reuse at Bavarian
collection points [4].
86%
86% of the identified causes of
damage to electrical devices
and old electrical appliances
are because of insufficient
weather-resistant roofing [4].
42 43The City as “Metabolism” from A Circular Perspective
The cross-sectoral and overall societal Cities thus not only bear great respon-
dimension of the circular use of re- sibility for negative environmental
sources is particularly evident in cities. impacts and social inequalities they
PLACES OF
In these highly dense centers of human also have “transformative potential”
coexistence, knowledge production, [2] to test and implement new paths
goods and services production, con- towards sustainability. This is especially
CIRCULARITY II
sumption, and waste generation there true given that cities are also centers of
is a complex overlap of actors, resource civic initiatives and innovation; cities are
flows and use patterns. In quantitative places where a diverse urban society
terms, cities play a key role in the tran- discovers new opportunities for deve-
Circular Cities sition to a more sustainable society due
to their importance on a global scale
loping and testing new knowledge and
practices.
[1]. In the multi-level political system,
cities have taken on more and more re- Cities have externalized meeting their
sponsibilities and in numerous areas of resource needs and the consequences of
political and social action, cities develop their waste production by moving them
their own agendas to complement na- to distant locations for centuries. Faced
tional and international ones or embark with growing pressure from resour-
on alternative and even completely new ce scarcity, economic dependencies
paths altogether [1] [3]. In addition to and risks, urban climate policies, etc.,
their autonomy in urban planning, water many cities are increasingly questio-
supply, waste management, public ning this approach. Numerous cities
transport, etc., cities usually have ex- are attempting to re-internalize their
tensive knowledge of urban processes resource supply and create circular
and contexts or ways to generate such flows of materials [1] to ensure their
knowledge [4]. supply systems being secure and to
build resilient infrastructures that are
less reliant on international, national,
and regional structures. In Europe, cities
such as London, Amsterdam, Glasgow,
and Paris increasingly acknowledge
circular approaches as a promising
concept and have adopted the respective
guiding principles. Given the complex
global interdependencies in which cities
45find themselves today and the magnitu- Cities, therefore, prompt a shift in focus According to the transdisciplinary Cities are, in any case, the globally
de of their existing infrastructures, these on quite different types of resources, approach which has been described dominant spaces of human coexistence
new guiding principles represent great namely food and water in addition to soil as the key to change, the transition to and the centers of production, consump-
challenges for cities while they also and land. The daily reality in modern circular cities and communities would tion and disposal in the current system,
expose the myopic view of perspectives cities highlights the diversity of resource require top-down strategies of the public which makes them crucial factors in the
that exclusively focus on technology and consumption across numerous sectors sector to be at least complemented, if process of transformation. They would
economy. and puts the idea that improvements in not replaced, by bottom-up initiatives have to become places of circularity,
terms of circular economy represent key and participatory design processes. for which they offer favorable conditions.
However, cities also offer special leverage points for change into perspec- Grassroots initiatives play an important Harnessing these conditions, however,
opportunities: the close proximity and tive. However, many existing widespread role in this regard: Citizens who advance requires conceptualizing municipal
density of circular cities offer favo- circular city concepts actually often sustainability through a sustainable life- strategies in terms of an urban circular
rable conditions for the circular use reproduce circular economy approaches style and active involvement in political society.
of technical and biological resources. centered on technology und economy. and social issues and thereby enable
The proximity of affected stakeholders Furthermore, they are developed as social innovations that offer creative
simplifies cross-sector cooperation in strategic visions by policymakers and solutions to local needs (e.g., citizen
closing resource cycles. Existing circular administrators and conceptualized as energy program, repair cafés). The
economy approaches can provide a basic top-down processes. [4] public sector should take on the task to
framework for the conceptualization of encourage and promote such initiatives,
circular strategies for urban resource e.g., by building knowledge, collabo-
management. ration platforms, support programs of
Furthermore, directing attention on circular business models, supportive
social interaction processes, dominant and adaptive infrastructure, and locali-
urban infrastructures, and heteroge- zed cycles as well as adapting regulatory
neous patterns of action and attitudes of frameworks. According to past expe-
inhabitants exposes the oversimplified rience, the development of adaptable
and myopic focus on technology and visions of the future, the use of experi-
production processes. mental approaches and intermediary
structures such as lab approaches, and
collaboration with various stakeholders
are also important drivers. [5]
46 47Cities in Global Context References
[1] Hodson, Mike; Simon Marvin (2010): Can cities shape socio-technical
transitions and how would we know if they were? In: Research policy:
Jg. 39 (4) S. 477-485.
50-70% 60-80% [2] Wissenschaftlicher Beirat der Bundesregierung Globale Umweltver-
änderungen (WBGU) (2016): Der Umzug der Menschheit:
Die transformative Kraft der Städte. Hauptgutachten. WBGU: Berlin.
[3] Loorbach, Derk; Wittmayer, Julia M.; Shiroyama, Hideaki; Fujino,
Junichi; Mizuguchi, Satoru (2016): Governance of urban sustainability
transitions. Japan: Springer-Verlag.
[4] Prendeville, Sharon; Cherim, Emma; Bocken, Nancy M.P. (2018):
Circular cities: mapping six cities in transition. Environmental innovation
and societal transitions, 26, S. 171-194.
Currently, about 50 % of the Cities currently consume
[5] Williams, Joanna (2019): Circular cities. In: Urban Studies: Jg. 56 (13)
world’s population lives in 60–80% of global S. 2746-2762.
cities. According to UN esti- natural resources [8]. [6] Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2019): City Governments and their role
mates, this trend will continue, in enabling a Circular Economy Transition. An overview of urban policy
levers. Verfügbar über: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/our-
with an expected increase to work/activities/circular-economy-in-cities (Letzter Zugriff: 09.03.2020)
almost 70 % by 2050 [7].
[7] United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Popula-
tion Division (2014): World Urbanisation Prospects. The 2014 Revision,
Methodology Working Pape No. ESA/P/WP.238
[8] Camaren, Peter; Swilling, Mark (2012): Sustainable Resource Efficient
Cities: Making It Happen. UNEP.
50-75%
Cities produce 50%
of global waste and 75% of
greenhouse gas emissions [8].
48 49Summary
1 2
The Linear System in Crisis:
The Need for Transformation. The Circular Economy: A Promising
But Insufficient Sustainability Strategy.
Current linear (economic) structures,
ways of thinking and acting lead to eco- Numerous players in politics, busi-
logical and social crises. There is a ness and science consider the circular
broad consensus in politics and science: economy as a promising sustainability
We need transformation on various strategy. However, the concept focuses
levels. In line with this consensus, the on economic value creation and tech-
Hans Sauer Foundation and its social nological innovation only and therefore
design lab, placed their thematic focus largely neglects the social dimension.
on the “Circular Society,” and search A shift toward more circularity requires
for ways to substantially transform the much more than ecological moderni-
prevailing structures and practices of zation; it also requires a redesign of
linearity. social practices, societal structures, and
cultural patterns.
513 4 5
No Economy without Society: The Idea Leverage Points for Circularity: New Designing Social Innovation and Trans- Places of Circularity I: Mehrwerthof
of A Circular Society. Forms of Knowledge Production and formation Processes: The Potential of Markt² Schwaben
Participatory Solution Development. Social Design in the Transition towards
Substantially changing unsustainable A Circular Society. In the Bavarian town of Markt Schwa-
processes and their consequences re- The transition to a circular society ben, the social design lab seized the
quires a systemic perspective that views requires new knowledge and skills – Transitioning towards a circular society new construction of the local recycling
social, ecological, and economic proces- system knowledge, target knowledge, or acquiring circular literacy requires center as an opportunity to initiate a
ses not as discrete but in context. The and transformation knowledge. New new approaches, supporting structures social design process. This new place of
Hans Sauer Foundation and the social forms of knowledge production and and sustainable processes with trans- sustainability, learning and, communal
design lab therefore use the concept of a participatory solution development can formative potential. In view of social actions, is created with active participa-
circular society. This concept expresses help generate, develop, and apply the lab approaches becoming increasingly tion of citizens, and a place of which a
the fact that circularity must become an knowledge and skills for action needed relevant, the Hans Sauer Foundation circular society needs many.
essential guiding principle, structuring for circular literacy. Circular literacy and its partners have founded the social
principle, and principle of action for can be used to understand patterns and design lab (see p. 35). The social design Places of Circularity II: Circular Cities
numerous areas of society. practices of linearity and recognize their approach used by the lab offers methods
potential as leverage points for a trans- and expertise that make it possible to Cities have the potential for testing and
formation to circularity. The develop- initiate innovation and transformation implementing new paths toward sustai-
ment and application of circular literacy processes in a transdisciplinary way and nability. In addition to the development
requires a co-creative process. to generate, develop and apply circular of the circular economy, many cities
knowledge and skills in practice. The so- already consider the vision of a circular
cial design lab provides the framework city as a promising strategy for the futu-
for these approaches. re. Currently, however, these strategies
often focus on more effective resour-
ce management and disregard social
aspects and the specifics of the urban
context. The idea of a circular society
can help to conceptualize circular city
approaches in such a way that cities are
viewed as “metabolism” and changed
from a societal, circular perspective.
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