Dr. Andrew Jenkins is a research fellow at Queen's University Belfast with a passion for closed-loop urbanism and sustainable design. He searches for holistic solutions to the growing number of challenges that face cities as a result of linear economies and growing populations. Typically, this manifests as carefully considered design solutions focusing on the interconnections between food, water and energy; also known as the food, water and energy nexus.
Dr. Jenkins believes that only by addressing and mediating the different economic and social drivers of the nexus within cities can we start to move towards circular economies; a method by which waste products are utilised as inputs to new material flows. A circular approach to design and urbanism will help to slow and ultimately reverse ecological damage, whilst generating capital and creating jobs, so as to provide a better interface between nature and technology.
Andrew’s core aim is to make the built environment better for those that engage with it on a daily basis, by making cities healthier, happier, and more engaging places to live and work as a result of ecologically sound urban design.