Joost Bakker - Designing out waste
In this episode, Hilary Duff and Daniel Moore speak with Dutch-born, Australian-based designer, artist, and environmental activist Joost Bakker about his pioneering work in sustainability, zero waste design, and the circular economy. While not a registered architect, Joost is known for groundbreaking projects such as Greenhouse by Joost, Silo, and the Future Food System at Melbourne’s Fed Square, Joost shares how his upbringing in the Netherlands and later life in Australia shaped his philosophy of designing self-sufficient ecosystems that produce their own energy, water, and food. Joost discusses why “waste” is a recent human-made phenomenon, exploring how industrialisation disrupted the closed-loop systems humans shared with nature for millennia. He reflects on his commitment to using unconventional materials, like cork, hemp, and magnesium-oxide boards, and the criteria he applies to ensure every material choice aligns with circular economy principles. The conversation also delves into the challenges and breakthroughs of delivering his zero-waste projects, from navigating regulatory barriers to working with unlikely partners to raise industry standards. Looking ahead, Joost shares his optimism for a future where circular design becomes mainstream, powered by the demands of younger generations for meaningful climate action. He offers advice for emerging architects and designers on integrating sustainability into their practice and reflects on his own collaborative approach, bringing together experts, manufacturers, growers, and chefs to reimagine the built environment. This is an inspiring deep dive into a career built on the belief that beauty, innovation, and environmental responsibility can, and must, coexist. Our sponsor Brickworks also produces architecture podcasts hosted by Tim Ross. You can find ‘The Art of Living’, ‘Architects Abroad, and ‘The Power of Two’, at brickworks.com.au or your favourite podcast platform. If you’d like to show your support please rate, review, and subscribe to Hearing Architecture in your favourite podcast app. If you want to know more about what the Australian Institute of Architects is doing to support architects and the community please visit architecture.com.au This is a production by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. The Institute production team was Katie Katos, Claudia McCarthy, and Mark Broadhead, and the EmAGN production team was Hilary Duff and Daniel Moore. This content is brought to you by the Australian Institute of Architects Emerging Architects and Graduates Network, in collaboration with Open Creative Studio. This content does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. This content does not constitute legal, financial, insurance, or other types of advice. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or will become inaccurate over time. We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia where this podcast was produced, as the first storytellers, the first communities and the first creators of Australian culture. I extend that respect to the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the multiple places abroad where this podcast was recorded. We thank Traditional Custodians for caring for Country for thousands of generations. and recognise their profound connection to land, water, and skies.
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