Building Reuse Networks in Kobe

Kobe, Japan

戸部、日本

• Cities can actively support material reuse.

• Grassroots organizations play a critical role.

• Reuse requires infrastructure, not just good intentions.

In Kobe, a growing coalition of artists, community groups, and municipal leaders is experimenting with material reuse at the urban scale.

Reuse centers, rehabilitation projects, and artist-led initiatives are creating new pathways for salvaged materials to remain in circulation.

These efforts demonstrate that circular construction is not solely a design challenge. It is also a civic challenge requiring policy, logistics, and community participation.

At the Bivouarc shop, salvaged materials are displayed. While not for sale, the space points interested buyers to resellers of material. Notably, the space is supported by the city of Kobe, whose mayor is making an effort to address the area’s abandoned house issue by supporting reuse centers and artists collectives that are using grassroots methods to salvage material.