Project Title: Designing Circular Regional Metabolism Strategies within Planetary Boundaries for Poughkeepsie, NY

MASS Design Group

Details
Project Title Designing Circular Regional Metabolism Strategies within Planetary Boundaries for Poughkeepsie, NY
Project Topics Corporate Social Responsibility Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy Research, Analysis, Evaluation Strategic Planning
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Abundant Futures Design Lab, an initiative of MASS Design Group, is seeking to scale regenerative design practices in Fringe Cities—smaller post-industrial cities like Poughkeepsie, NY—by applying ecological principles and circular economy models. Poughkeepsie presents a unique opportunity due to its underutilized infrastructure, proximity to natural resources, and community readiness for development. The challenge is to understand how regional needs around energy, water, food, materials, and waste can be met locally without extraction or pollution—ultimately within the limits of planetary boundaries.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  • Research and document the current metabolic flows (energy, water, food, materials, waste) in Poughkeepsie.
  • Develop future scenarios for population and industrial change and forecast resulting metabolic demands.
  • Propose circular regional metabolism strategies for each resource category based on global best practices and ecological design principles.
  • Investigate data sources, regional systems, and technologies that support sustainable metabolism models.
  • Present findings in a research-based format usable for both internal planning and public communication.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • Comprehensive assessment of current metabolic baselines for Poughkeepsie.
  • Well-researched projections for multiple future development scenarios.
  • Identification of realistic circular strategies that align with planetary boundaries.
  • Positive feedback from MASS Design Group and local planning stakeholders on feasibility and clarity.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

Sep 12 2025 Event

Teams

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