This competition aims to design a recycling station for use on Bahçeşehir University campuses, which will collect and sort waste made of different materials for recycling. The primary goal of the competition is to create an innovative, functional, and aesthetically strong recycling station in line with sustainability principles, thereby encouraging recycling habits within the university.
WHY RECYCLING?
Recycling helps reduce environmental pollution by conserving natural resources and is a crucial step toward a sustainable future. Converting waste that enters the recycling cycle into reusable materials not only saves energy but also contributes to the preservation of ecosystems by decreasing the need for new raw materials. Additionally, making recycling processes more efficient reduces the amount of waste that cannot be recycled, thereby alleviating environmental burdens and playing a significant role in protecting human health. In this context, it is extremely important for individuals to adopt recycling habits, and recycling stations designed to promote recycling are among the key elements that enhance the effectiveness of this process.
This competition is designed to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13: Climate Action. Designs that improve waste management and promote recycling help support the more efficient use of natural resources, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. Moreover, by fostering a culture of recycling within the university, the initiative also aligns with Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. In this context, the designs developed through the competition aim both to raise individual awareness and to strengthen sustainability practices at an institutional level.
PROGRAM: Participants are expected to design a sustainable, functional, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing recycling station that can adapt to various spaces within the Bahçeşehir University campuses and facilitate the collection of waste from different materials. The designed recycling station should be capable of encouraging recycling and must be user-friendly, durable, and compatible with the campus environment. The designs should offer a solution for the proper separation of recyclable waste, including glass, metal, paper, and other materials. Moreover, the designs must be based on fundamental design principles, interact with their surroundings, and inform users about the appropriate disposal method for each type of waste. In developing their designs, participants should consider the following core design principles:
• Balance: A design that is visually and structurally balanced must be achieved.
• Emphasis: Prominent elements that guide the waste segregation process should be employed.
• Hierarchy: A clear and comprehensible layout that directs the user should be established.
• Proportion & Scale: Appropriate dimensions must be determined to facilitate ease of use.
• Repetition & Rhythm: Consistent and orderly visual elements should be incorporated to guide the user.
• Contrast: Form, color, and texture contrasts should be utilized to reinforce the differentiation of various waste types.
• Unity & Harmony: The design must harmonize with its environment and provide overall aesthetic coherence.
USERS: Students, employees, and visitors.
DIMENSIONS: While there is no strict limitation regarding dimensions, human ergonomics data must be taken into consideration.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM: The design should be self-supporting and not affixed to any wall or floor surface. Even if flexible components are recommended, they must be safe and robust.
MATERIALS: The project will utilize fiberboard and chipboard panels produced from wood or other industrial wood waste. These panels, derived from wood waste, add value by repurposing the discarded material. In addition, supplementary connectors, recycled cardboard, textiles, and similar materials will also be employed.
A key principle in successful sustainable forest management is to reintegrate forest debris – such as fallen branches or standing dead trees – back into the economy. Forest waste is also used as raw material in the production of fiberboard and chipboard. Including these materials in the competition is intended to raise participants' awareness about sustainable forest management.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Functionality, ease of use, and ergonomics
Durability and safety
Originality and innovation
Sustainability and environmental compatibility
Ability to inform users and enhance the user experience
Feasibility of the design and ease of production
Efficient use of materials in a way that respects their character and environmental sensitivity
Clear visual communication of the design through appropriate graphics, drawing scales, physical models, and technical documentation.
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