City Building Seminars – Circular design for the built environment
Thursday 01 May 2025 | 12:00 PM
How the circular economy can improve sustainability and drive change through design practice.
This presentation will explore how the circular economy applies to the built environment, with a focus on the reuse and repurposing of building materials.
Drawing on the work of Five Mile Radius, Clare will share practical examples of how construction waste – like timber, concrete and steel – can be transformed into high-value architectural elements.
She will discuss key principles of material circularity, challenges in the industry, and how designers and builders can make impactful shifts through thoughtful material selection and design-for-disassembly.
Attendees will also hear about several completed projects that showcase circular design in action, including small-scale architecture and furniture pieces made from salvaged materials.
Guest speaker
Clare Kennedy is the founder of Five Mile Radius, a Brisbane-based design studio specialising in circular construction and locally sourced materials. With a background in architecture and a passion for material sustainability, Clare has built a practice that challenges conventional building methods through innovative reuse of waste materials.
Her work spans furniture, architecture, and research, all rooted in the principles of material honesty, low carbon design, and circular economy thinking. Clare regularly collaborates with industry, government, and education partners to advocate for more regenerative design practices across Australia. She is a sought-after speaker on circular construction and has been recognised for her leadership in sustainable design and community-led innovation.
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Getting there
Consider using public transport or active travel. Plan your trip with Translink's journey planner.
Parking may be limited. For metered parking, use the EasyPark app to start, end, and extend your parking direct from your phone to avoid fines. For more information visit City of Gold Coast's Parking page.