Urban Circularity in Time: Rethinking Quality of Life through Circular Communities

Goličnik Marušić, Barbara and Marušić, Damjan (2026) Urban Circularity in Time: Rethinking Quality of Life through Circular Communities. EVERYBODY PLANS ... SOMETIMES. Cherish Heritage, Plan Now, Create a Better Future! Proceedings of REAL CORP 2026, 31st International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 975-981. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

This paper proposes an integrated framework that connects circular communities, spatial planning, and time quality assessment (TQA) to support sustainable urban development. Circular communities, comprising material suppliers, producers, service providers, and users, aim to close resource loops and strengthen socio-ecological resilience. Yet, the translation of circular principles into durable, liveable urban environments remains a key challenge. We introduce the Time–Space–Flow Integration Method, which links the temporal rhythms of daily life with material, energy, and social cycles to guide spatial planning. In this approach, time quality is redefined beyond efficiency or free time to include temporal proximity, synchronization, autonomy, continuity, and regenerative capacities. Circular communities are thus conceptualized as temporal-spatial systems, where short, medium, and long cycles of resources, services, and culture must be harmonized to optimize daily life. To operationalize this framework, we propose the Circular Community Time–Quality Index (CCTQI), which evaluates urban areas based on daily access to essentials, local closure of resource loops, temporal flexibility of spaces, and intergenerational continuity. Coupled with spatial planning principles, 15–30 minute life radius, multi-layered mixed-use nodes, local metabolism zones, polycentric structures, and temporal flexibility of space, this approach enables the design and assessment of circular communities that are both resource-efficient and experientially rich. By merging circularity with time quality metrics into Time–Circular Community Spatial Model (TCCSM), the paper argues that a sustainable society is grounded not only in circular systems but in spatial structures that protect and regenerate human time, providing planners with a measurable, actionable framework to shape inclusive, resilient, and high-quality urban life.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	urban sustainability, quality of living environments, circular community, circular spatial planning, time quality assessment
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	05 Apr 2026 13:32
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2026 13:32
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1285

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