Circular Design

Incremental Sustainable Design Solution

Client

CAYA Constructs was founded in 2015 to deliver social innovations in sanitation. To be aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and focus on sustainability

Client Study

Caya Construct specializes in using precast reinforced cement concrete (RCC) technology. The company provides:

Modular and Monolithic Superstructure Public Toilets: Designed to be sustainable and easily removable after use.
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance Services: Carried out by well-trained Swachhta Sainiks.
Behavior Change Campaigns and Awareness Programs: Conducted under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative to promote hygiene and sanitation.

Project Brief

Caya Construct approached designers with the goal to:

Create a new or upgraded existing product.
Implement a systematic intervention or suggest new technology.
Design innovative solutions or awareness campaigns.
Ensure sustainability, scalability, marketability, and cost-effectiveness.

The study revealed detailed insights into the design process, including the manufacturing of high-quality RCC components, the science behind efficient wastewater treatment, and rigorous quality checks to ensure structural stability. The streamlined assembly process involves precise site preparation and secure placement of components, with the manufacturing process encompassing careful mixing, casting, curing, and finishing of RCC materials.

Field Research

Desktop Research

In 2015, about 524 million people in India were practicing open defecation, representing nearly half of the global total at that time .

Prevalence of Open Defecation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10% of the global disease burden could be reduced with improved sanitation .

Sanitation

By 2019, due to efforts like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), the number of people practicing open defecation significantly decreased, but challenges remain in some areas.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

The World Bank estimated that inadequate sanitation costs India approximately 6.4% of its GDP annually, amounting to around $53.8 billion, due to healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and other factors .

Economic Impact

Problem Identification

After studying Caya Construct's product cycle and understanding the importance of circular design, circular economy, and sustainability, several key issues were identified:

Material Concerns

Environmental Impact: The use of cement and concrete in their structures significantly contributes to global carbon dioxide emissions, with the cement industry accounting for 5-10% of global emissions. The production process consumes vast quantities of fossil fuel and contributes to global warming.
Thermal Mass Issues: The materials' thermal capacity leads to heat retention, exacerbating the heat island effect and contributing to global warming.

Academic project

This project was completed as an academic endeavour under Tashbox 7 in 2020. It spanned 8 weeks and was mentored by Lena Ragade Gupta.

Lime and Green Concrete: Transitioning to eco-friendly materials that require less energy to produce and cause minimal environmental harm. Green concrete, similar to conventional concrete, uses sustainable materials to reduce the carbon footprint.

Material Substitution

Green Walls: Incorporating green walls with self-water regulation to reduce heat absorption, prevent heat retention, and improve the aesthetic appeal of the structures. These walls not only help mitigate the heat island effect but also reduce the stigma associated with public toilets by enhancing their appearance.

Structural Enhancements

Proposed Solutions

caya product dinemicsssssss-0111_edited.jpg

Sustainable Rebuilding: Introducing rammed earth walls for layered structures. As layers wear off, the structures can be rebuilt sustainably. Rammed earth integrates with the soil, completing the product cycle and minimizing environmental impact.

Rammed Earth Walls