Circular Economies and Value Flows with Marion Real
I entered the session with a foundational understanding of resource loops, local production, and sustainable consumption. My goal was to discover circular models for urban infrastructure, particularly exploring how waste management, water, and energy systems could be redesigned.
The key takeaway from the session was the importance of the decentralized economic model. This approach challenges centralized systems and emphasizes localized solutions that better align with circular principles.
While my overall understanding of circular economies remained the same, the session prompted me to question how AI can contribute to circular economies. I began to explore how AI could help reduce waste both in the digital world—through data processing optimization—and in the physical world, such as through resource-efficient systems.
To apply today’s learnings to my own work, I plan to explore ways to integrate circular thinking into AI projects. My focus will be on minimizing the carbon footprint of data processing and optimizing resource use in cloud computing systems.
Reflective Wrap-Up:
This session has deepened my understanding of how circular economies reshape value flows. I now see the significance of prioritizing resource regeneration and fostering long-term resilience as alternatives to traditional linear consumption models.
Distributed Economies and Massive Collaboration with Jessica Guy
I began this session with an appreciation for the open-source movement and its role in driving innovation through shared resources and collective knowledge. My goal was to explore how distributed economies and massive collaboration could shape urban architecture, fostering resilient, sustainable cities while enhancing community participation in development processes.
The session highlighted a critical insight: economic systems should not be monopolized or controlled by a single central authority. Instead, decentralization allows for greater inclusivity and adaptability.
This understanding will influence my work moving forward. I now see how democratized housing projects can benefit from decentralized systems by leveraging networks of local fabricators. The concept offers a way to empower communities and distribute resources equitably.
Reflective Wrap-Up:
At its core, this session reinforced the importance of distributing resources and encouraging social participation as key elements of a collaborative economy.
Ecological Interactions and the Economies of Nature with Jonathan Minchin
Coming into this session, I recognized that nature’s ecosystems operate in perfect cycles, where waste seamlessly transforms into resources—a powerful blueprint for rethinking human economies. My learning goals were to deepen my understanding of economies of nature, environmental resilience, and the interactions that sustain ecological balance.
One of the most impactful takeaways was the concept of self-sufficient systems and the need for emerging futures that integrate polyculture and acknowledge the limits to growth. This perspective shifted my understanding of agriculture: while necessary for human sustenance, it currently “harvests the planet.” The challenge lies in addressing periods of no immediate profit, such as in food forests, where risks prevent farmers from adopting sustainable practices. Leveraging carbon credits from large corporations could bridge this gap.
Going forward, I plan to implement the idea of Forest Trees into urban projects, both during and after my master’s studies. This session has inspired me to design spaces that prioritize ecological connectivity and embrace the diversity of both humans and nonhumans, ensuring ecosystems are self-sustaining and rich.
Reflective Wrap-Up:
Smart design must respond to specific needs, avoiding overproduction while working harmoniously with ecologies, rather than against them.
Regenerative Economies and Social Sustainability with Milena Juarez
Prior to this session, I was familiar with the role of social groups and institutions that promote sustainable economies. My main learning goal was to identify leaders behind these types of projects and understand how to initiate similar initiatives myself.
The session introduced me to The Fab City Manifesto, a framework advocating for localized, regenerative production systems. It inspired me to consider alternative, impactful approaches to urban sustainability.
While I appreciated the concepts discussed, I left wanting to see more diverse examples of projects that align with regenerative economies—real-world applications that demonstrate the potential of these systems.
Looking ahead, I intend to explore Fab Labs as a strategy for strengthening local economies in future projects. I also plan to engage with IAAC’s Fab Lab to understand how I can contribute and learn firsthand from their approach to fabrication and innovation.
Reflective Wrap-Up:
This session underscored the importance of long-term impact—restoring and enhancing systems while placing growth at the center of people and communities.
Social Entrepreneurship and Impact Economies with Alessandra Schmidt
Entering this session, I understood social entrepreneurship as the practice of building businesses that tackle social or environmental challenges. It blends purpose with profit to create positive, lasting change within communities. My primary goal was to understand how social agendas can remain central without getting overshadowed by the pursuit of profit.
A key takeaway was the importance of solidarity in economic models—how economies can be designed to work for the collective “good” of society rather than individual gain.
This session also expanded my perspective on entrepreneurship: to be a successful entrepreneur, one must genuinely care for stakeholders—not just profits but the people and systems impacted by the business.
Moving forward, I’m committed to “seeking to do good” in all my endeavors, ensuring that my work reflects both purpose and responsibility.
Reflective Wrap-Up:
The session reinforced the value of bootstrapping—testing ideas or products early to refine and build them in alignment with real-world needs.
