Abstract
Traditional linear economic models are proving insufficient in the face of global urbanization's waste challenges. This research introduces systemic design, emphasizing its capacity to integrate systems thinking with design practice to address complex and unpredictable societal structures. We position systemic design as the core "practice," with urban resource upcycling and social value creation as its key "impacts." Through qualitative case study analysis, we delve into two specific projects: the " Dashuigou 2nd hand shop Optimization Design Project" and the "Tzu Chi Zhongshan Bade Treasure House Renovation Project." For each case, we thoroughly examine the design interventions, stakeholder engagement models, and the resulting environmental, social, and economic benefits. Finally, this research will conduct a cross-case comparison to synthesize the critical factors influencing the effectiveness of systemic design. Our findings aim to provide insights for future design practices and policy formulation, ultimately transforming urban waste into sustainable development potential.
Keywords
Systemic Design; Urban Upcycling; Social Value; Circular Economy
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.512
Citation
Pan, Y.,and Wu, Y.(2025) Reframing Waste: A Systemic Design Approach to Urban Resource Upcycling and Social Value Creation, in Chang, C.-Y., and Hsu, Y. (eds.), IASDR 2025: Design Next, 02-05 December, Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.21606/iasdr.2025.512
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Conference Track
Track 10 - Design Practices & Impacts
Reframing Waste: A Systemic Design Approach to Urban Resource Upcycling and Social Value Creation
Traditional linear economic models are proving insufficient in the face of global urbanization's waste challenges. This research introduces systemic design, emphasizing its capacity to integrate systems thinking with design practice to address complex and unpredictable societal structures. We position systemic design as the core "practice," with urban resource upcycling and social value creation as its key "impacts." Through qualitative case study analysis, we delve into two specific projects: the " Dashuigou 2nd hand shop Optimization Design Project" and the "Tzu Chi Zhongshan Bade Treasure House Renovation Project." For each case, we thoroughly examine the design interventions, stakeholder engagement models, and the resulting environmental, social, and economic benefits. Finally, this research will conduct a cross-case comparison to synthesize the critical factors influencing the effectiveness of systemic design. Our findings aim to provide insights for future design practices and policy formulation, ultimately transforming urban waste into sustainable development potential.