Revealing circular material flow in terrazzo making process

This paper investigates the value in material expression that reveals the material resource flow through terrazzo making process. The potential of the patterning process as a vital practice in terrazzo making is posed through attention to the use of salvaged elements and fragmented pieces of the material. They are an essential part of circular economy practice knowledge. The patterning process, such as reinforcement and recombination of salvaged materials is decreasing carbon emissions produced by fabricating new components of the terrazzo. Besides, the patterning process enables the materialization of the design intention and locals’ interests and particularities; in which it adds value to the material. This study was conducted through a workshop in Lombok, Indonesia, as part of an exhibition of architectural materials that were produced locally from earth-based ingredients. It is found that the value of sustainability lies in its ability to promote such circular strategies that can enable improved material resource efficiency as well as generate material value.