Closing the Knowledge Gap on Circularity

Abstract

This paper discusses the relevance of academia in addressing complex contemporary issues and more specifically, its potential to help society transition to a circular built environment. Can academia provide society with a safe space for developing imaginaries and socially performing alternative political futures? Can it help reconnect the many knowledge domains that appear now to be dispersed and fragmented? And what is the role of adult learning in achieving this transition and in dealing with complex issues such as sustainability? The typology and goals of adult educational modules developed by the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment of TU Delft and in particular the Circular Built Environment (CBE) Hub are presented here as a response to the growing need of creating synergistic alliances between academia and the rest of society. Three different typologies are examined in this chapter for their specific contribution in raising awareness; inspiring professionals and instigating change in attitudes as well as contributing to the training of selected groups of stakeholders respectively. Authors reflect on the benefits of such interaction, its limitations as well as its future potential. Promoting the benefits of transitioning to a circular built environment and reaching the widest audience possible to assist with the transition requires that academia develops new educational formats. Attention should therefore be given not only to the content produced, but also to the modes of delivery; the effectiveness of the message that is ultimately delivered as well as the establishment of a continuous presence where different individuals or groups can return to when challenged by complex issues. Consolidating this relation can close the knowledge gap between the two: on the one hand society directly benefits from academic research, on the other hand, academia becomes more relevant for society.