Waste not : Innovative Solutions for Human Excreta Management

In an era where sustainability and innovation intersect, the global community faces the challenge of reimagining waste — specifically, human excreta. Recognizing excreta's significant role in environmental conservation, public health, and resource management, a groundbreaking competition has been launched to transform human waste into a valuable resource. This interdisciplinary challenge invites innovators from various fields, including design, architecture, engineering, and social sciences, to develop holistic solutions for excreta management that transcend traditional sanitation practices.

Objective

The competition seeks inventive strategies to repurpose excreta, focusing on energy production, agricultural use, and water conservation. It encourages participants to view excreta as a resource, driving innovations that benefit both individuals and communities.

Scope

Proposals are expected to explore personal hygiene innovations, efficient sanitation systems for resource recovery, community-driven waste management solutions, and scalable urban waste management systems. These interventions should leverage modern technology to achieve sustainable, efficient, and inclusive outcomes across various scales, from individual to city levels.

Design Interventions

• Body Level: Innovations in personal excreta management, such as portable devices for immediate collection and specialized designs for outdoor activities or healthcare settings.
• Seat Level: Reimagining the toilet experience with health-monitoring technologies, waterless solutions, and designs catering to different cultural practices.
• Building Level: Sanitation solutions for various building types, focusing on water-saving technologies, on-site waste treatment, and integration with building aesthetics.
• Neighborhood Level: Community-focused approaches to manage sanitation sustainably, emphasizing circular systems and local engagement.
• City Level: Visionary sanitation systems for urban environments, incorporating smart technologies, community-driven models, and public-private partnerships.

Awards and Recognition

The competition promises grants totaling up to $7,000, with winning entries and honorable mentions showcased at the prestigious DXD Annual 20under35 Exhibition and published on the DXD website.

Participation Guidelines

This call to action is open to students and professionals across all fields. Teams of up to four members are welcome, with submissions judged based on innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and practicality. Participants are required to submit design outcomes in digital format, with detailed guidelines provided upon registration.

Transforming Waste into Wealth

This competition represents a significant step towards redefining our relationship with waste, emphasizing its potential as a resource rather than a byproduct. By fostering a multidisciplinary approach to human excreta management, it aims to inspire solutions that are not only innovative but also respectful of socio-cultural contexts and environmental sustainability.

For more information and to participate, visit the competition's official website.

Hosted by Design x Design and UNI, with ant.studio as a partner, this competition epitomizes the collaborative effort required to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time.