Researcher

Bob Geldermans

Research Expertise:Bob's research activities aim at healthy and regenerative resource-use in relation to architecture and cities. His particular interest goes out to material quality and material-flows, applying a transdisciplinary systems approach: from raw material sourcing and product design to operational performance and environmental impact. Bob's doctoral research focused on the relation between Open Building and Circular Building, elaborating on the synergistic potential of flexibility in interior lay-out and circularity of associated materials and products. His primary aim is to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation, in order to enhance transitions of our built environment from linear and degenerative to circular and regenerative.

Keywords:CIRCULAR BUILDING, CRADLE TO CRADLE, REGENERATIVE DESIGN, SUSTAINABILITY, URBAN METABOLIMS, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, CIRCULAR ECONOMY, INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY, SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS, Architecture, town and country planning

Disciplines:Sustainable building, Interior architecture sciences and technology, Other materials engineering not elsewhere classified, Sustainable development, Other product development not elsewhere classified

Research techniques:My research work is rooted in 'Systems Thinking' and 'Design Research Methodology'. Tools and methods that play a role include life cycle analysis (LCA), embodied energy & carbon impact assessment, material flow analysis (MFA), material circularity indicator (MCI), stakeholder analysis, ecodesign and design for disassembly ( DfD). I also regularly work with frameworks such as BREEAM, Cradle to Cradle Certified and WELL Certified.

Users of research expertise:Bob focuses in his work on regenerative resource systems in relation to architecture and urban planning. His special interest is in the design and materialization of products and buildings, with a sustainable and trans-disciplinary approach: from raw material to object and from use to reuse. This integrated approach relates to both research and education. Bob obtained his PhD at TU Delft on the connection between adaptable building & circular building, with a focus on the interior. He has a background in industrial ecology (Master) and design (Bachelor).