Waste Wood for Designed Urban Amenities ^†

Urban environments function as a set of interconnected ecological, social, and economic systems. Achieving sustainability in these settings requires a holistic approach that incorporates responsible resource use, inclusive community participation, and sustainable design practices. This research explores how principles of the circular economy can be integrated into urban planning through participatory, design-led initiatives that promote the reuse of materials and enhance the quality of public space.

The pilot project was implemented in Jelgava, Latvia, where a two-day interdisciplinary workshop brought together researchers, designers, entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, and local residents. Participants collaboratively developed and constructed innovative outdoor landscape elements using wood industry by-products, such as offcuts from plywood and cross-laminated timber production. The workshop resulted in modular, durable designs intended for long-term use and potential replication in other urban contexts. By transforming industrial wood waste into functional infrastructure, the project directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by reducing material waste and fostering the adoption of circular principles. Simultaneously, it supports SDG 13: Climate Action, by replacing environmentally harmful materials with renewable, locally sourced alternatives and reducing the embodied carbon of urban development.

The project also emphasized social sustainability through public engagement, the activation of traditional skills, and the strengthening of community identity—all of which align with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The participatory design process fostered technical creativity and cultural relevance, advancing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, involving local participants in hands-on design and fabrication contributed to skills development, small business involvement, and the reinforcement of circular economy practices, thus promoting local capacity building. The multi-sector collaboration across research, governance, industry, and community reflects the ethos of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrating that cross-sectoral synergy is essential for advancing sustainable development.

This research presents a replicable and adaptable model for embedding circular economy principles into community-based urban design. It demonstrates how local engagement, creative material use, and collaborative processes can generate practical, place-based solutions that reduce environmental impact, enhance urban resilience, and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, at both local and regional levels.