Recovering, recreating, and revaluating waste : upcycling disposed-of plastic to develop architectural assembly systems

Abstract

Puerto Rico has been facing challenges in its recycling and waste management systems through the last three decades, causing an environmental non-compliance to EPA regulations. This research focuses on the potential of common single-use plastic wastes on the island to understand their possible application as a construction material through recycling and upcycling processes. The investigation evaluates case studies of ongoing advances of recycled material applications in contemporary design to assess how disposed-of plastic properties can allow its use to develop architectural systems. The research uses data from that review to design architectural component systems composed of upcycled single-used disposed plastics, with the intention of permanent reuse of the material in architectural design for our local context. Novel digital fabrication tools are used to create physical prototypes of those assemblies. The developed assemblies are detailed and applied to redesign an abandoned building in the Science City Complex in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The research findings demonstrate that architectural component systems made from upcycled waste materials could be a solution to plastic waste pollution by utilizing them in building restoration contexts on the island.