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Transformative Urban Living Labs: Towards a Circular Economy in Amsterdam and Turin

Author

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  • Federico Cuomo

    (Department of Cultures, Politics and Society, University of Turin, Lungo Dora Siena, 100 A, 10153 Torino, Italy)

  • Stefania Ravazzi

    (Department of Cultures, Politics and Society, University of Turin, Lungo Dora Siena, 100 A, 10153 Torino, Italy)

  • Federico Savini

    (Department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development, University of Amsterdam. Nieuwe Acthtergracht 166, 1018 Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Luca Bertolini

    (Department of Human Geography, Planning and International Development, University of Amsterdam. Nieuwe Acthtergracht 166, 1018 Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The circular economy is becoming a field of experimentation to trigger site-specific laboratories oriented towards connecting material flows and citizens’ practices. Despite their wide use, a critical perspective of the transformative paths of these Urban Living Labs (ULLs) is still missing. This paper compares the paths followed by two such experiments, one in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and the other in Turin (Italy). To this end, we build an analytical framework that targets three dimensions: unconventionality, autonomy, and systemic impact on policies. We conclude that ULLs can take very different transformation paths over time due to a wide range of enablers and barriers. In Amsterdam there has been an assimilation in the neighbourhood as well as a transformative effect on an urban scale; while the case of Turin has turned out to be potentially transformative but also at risk of marginalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Federico Cuomo & Stefania Ravazzi & Federico Savini & Luca Bertolini, 2020. "Transformative Urban Living Labs: Towards a Circular Economy in Amsterdam and Turin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:18:p:7651-:d:414436
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    1. Grazia Sveva Ascione & Federico Cuomo & Nicole Mariotti & Laura Corazza, 2021. "Urban Living Labs, Circular Economy and Nature-Based Solutions: Ideation and Testing of a New Soil in the City of Turin Using a Multi-stakeholder Perspective," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    2. María Jesús Rosado-García & Renata Kubus & Ramón Argüelles-Bustillo & María Jesús García-García, 2021. "A New European Bauhaus for a Culture of Transversality and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-22, October.
    3. Anil Engez & Seppo Leminen & Leena Aarikka-Stenroos, 2021. "Urban Living Lab as a Circular Economy Ecosystem: Advancing Environmental Sustainability through Economic Value, Material, and Knowledge Flows," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, March.
    4. Anthony Halog & Sandra Anieke, 2021. "A Review of Circular Economy Studies in Developed Countries and Its Potential Adoption in Developing Countries," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    5. Dimitri Schuurman & Seppo Leminen, 2021. "Living Labs Past Achievements, Current Developments, and Future Trajectories," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-6, September.
    6. Diego Hernando Florez Ayala & Anete Alberton & Aksel Ersoy, 2022. "Urban Living Labs: Pathways of Sustainability Transitions towards Innovative City Systems from a Circular Economy Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-29, August.
    7. Evinc Dogan & Federico Cuomo & Luca Battisti, 2023. "Reviving Urban Greening in Post-Industrial Landscapes: The Case of Turin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-16, August.

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