Joost Bakker - Designing out waste

Hearing Architecture

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11d ago 1:07:46

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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.

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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.

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