“As waste management becomes an increasingly urgent challenge, our goal is to help unlock solutions that create real value for industries, communities, and the environment. “
While our partners extend across the Czech Republic and around the globe, CirkArena is firmly rooted in the Moravian-Silesian Region. With its long history of heavy industry and an abundance of raw materials, the region inspired CirkArena’s creation and mission to maximize the secondary use of raw materials, reduce waste, promote circular practices, connect industries, and support the sustainable modernization of businesses and communities.
Circular from the Inside Out
Our building, currently under construction, was formerly the site of Werk Arena, the home of one of the Czech Extraliga’s top ice hockey teams. Once filled with cheering fans, talented players, exciting victories, and hard-fought losses, the arena united the community and served as hub for culture and entertainment.
After the arena closed, it sat idle for around a decade, becoming what’s known as a brownfield. To honor its legacy, we chose to apply circular principles throughout its demolition, site regeneration, and new construction. In fact, 70% of the original materials and structures will be recycled.
“By reusing the arena structure and rethinking its function, the design reflects the same circular logic that guides our research and innovation.”
The architects designed CirkArena around a reversed circular design principle. Instead of starting from scratch, the building reimagines what already existed. The ice rink, once inaccessible to the public, will become an open square, while the former stands and concession areas will become laboratories and workshops. CirkArena will be both a home for research and a public meeting place designed to unite, connect, learn, and inspire. We’re planning concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, celebrations, gatherings for local businesses and communities, and more! We are planning to open in 2027, and we can’t wait to welcome you. By reusing the arena structure and rethinking its function, the design reflects the same circular logic that guides our research and innovation.
Join the Conversation
“We created this blog to share more about us, our projects, and our people, but also to contribute to the global discussion around circular economy and waste valorization.”
Here’s what you can expect to find:
- Clear foundations and definitions to provide context and background
- Spotlights on our team, commonly used tools and techniques, and innovative partner institutions
- Discussions and commentary on circular economy topics
- Calls for collaboration and action
- Data, updates, and results from our projects and initiatives
- Educational insights and practical tips you can apply in your own life
- Perspectives from policy leaders, experts, the public, and everyone in between