CIRCULARITY AND/OR SUSTAINABILITY? IMAGINING TRANSFORMATIVE STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS FOR THE URBAN TRANSITION

Organizers

Federica Scaffidi, Leibniz University Hannover
Mina Di Marino, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
Andresa Ledo Marques, University of Lisbon

Contributors

Fernanda Paz Gomez Saenz, Leibniz University Hannover
Luciana Mouro Varanda, Mackenzie Presbyterian University São Paulo
Christian Corral, Leibniz University Hannover and Mackenzie Presbyterian University São Paulo
Martina Massari, University of Bologna
Ester Carro de Oliveira Bashalidis, Mackenzie Presbyterian University São Paulo

As cities face multiple challenges from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and resource scarcity, urban transitions have emerged as a critical framework for planning and rethinking urban futures. Circularity and sustainability are pivotal in these transitions, offering transformative approaches to managing resources, fostering resilience, and creating more equitable urban systems. However, how do these concepts translate into actionable actions and strategies for urban development, and can they truly address the pressing social, economic and environmental crises cities face today? 

This roundtable builds on AESOP 2025's theme of "Planning as a Transformative Action in an Age of Planetary Crisis", focused on environmental, social and economic global challenges by exploring the intersection and complementarity of circularity and sustainability. It seeks to provoke a dialogue that moves beyond technical solutions and engages with urban transitions' systemic challenges and opportunities. While circular economic models, adaptive reuse, and zero-waste initiatives have demonstrated localised success, this session interrogates their scalability, temporality, and inclusiveness. Are circular and sustainable urban models accessible to diverse communities, or do they risk perpetuating inequalities? And how do we balance the focus on circularity with the imperative to reduce overall consumption and rethink innovative growth paradigms? 

Participants will engage with critical questions such as: How can circularity contribute to the broader goals of urban transitions? What governance frameworks and policy innovations are needed to align circular and sustainable actions and strategies? How do circular practices address socio- economic inequalities and promote inclusivity in urban spaces? What role do cultural and behavioural shifts play in advancing sustainable urban transitions? 

The session will feature contributions drawing on theoretical insights and empirical research which investigates planning policies, strategies and practices, on one or more of the following topics:

• The intersection and complementarity of circularity and sustainability;
• Policy and governance innovations supporting circular and sustainable urban transitions;
• Case studies highlight both successes and limitations;
• The integration of circularity and sustainability with social justice and innovation in urban development;
• Circularity and sustainable nature based frameworks;
• Behavioural and cultural changes required for systemic transformation.

Aligned with AESOP 2025's theme of rethinking urban transitions, this roundtable aims to inspire new perspectives and actionable strategies for cities navigating the complexities of the 21st century. Critically examining circularity and sustainability through the lens of equity and innovation will foster a deeper understanding of the pathways to transformative urban futures. Together, we will explore how to translate circularity and sustainability into inclusive, scalable, and impactful practices that redefine our urban future.

Key words: Circularity, Sustainability, Transformative Strategies and Actions, Urban Transition, Social justice and innovation