As efforts to decarbonize construction and make sustainable designs mainstream gain momentum, the paradigm of regenerative design emerges as the next logical step in our collective mission to not only mitigate environmental impact but actively restore and rejuvenate our built environment.
While sustainability promotes responsible building practices, it does not directly address the damage that has been done. Here, the regenerative design emerges as a promising alternative, aiming to restore Earth’s natural systems while fostering societal well-being.
What is regenerative design?
The regenerative design aims to create systems, products, and processes that are not only sustainable but also contribute to the overall health and vitality of the environment and society. It involves being considerate of the long-term effects of our actions and finding ways to create positive impacts, such as replenishing resources, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering social well-being. It’s a holistic approach that seeks to create a thriving and regenerative future for all.
For the AEC industry (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction), embracing regenerative design principles is crucial in driving positive change and reshaping built environments. It encourages professionals to take a design approach that fosters a deep connection with nature and prioritizes societal and environmental well-being.
Regenerative design principles for the AEC Sector
How can the AEC industry approach regenerative design? How can they think differently to create spaces that go beyond sustainability and actively contribute to the restoration and revitalization of ecosystems and communities?
The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) has defined 6 perspectives of a ‘life-centric’ design mindset. Professionals within the AEC sector can use them as guiding principles and design-build environments of the future. The six perspectives are-
- Systemic: Systemic thinking fosters a sense of interconnectedness, how different systems – economic, social, and environmental, are connected to and support each other.
- Imaginative: Go beyond what we are seeing today and approach building design innovatively. Is there a way to use current resources and come up with a solution that fits future needs? You can check out these designs generated by AI for some inspiration!
- Adaptive: Develop designs with adaptive capacity, those that can respond and evolve with changing dynamics.
- Collective: Foster this thinking that creating regenerative houses is a collective effort. Listen to those who are closest to the challenges and understand biomimicry, which is drawing inspiration from nature to design resilient and sustainable structures.
- Long-time: Think of it this way – how will today’s decisions affect future generations? Our actions today should have lasting positive effects and make this planet a better place for the future.
- Authentic: Understand that there’s not one single solution that fits every demographic. Different places feature soils, climates, and other factors. How can we, considering these factors, approach the design process?
Joanna Choukeir, Director of Design & Innovation at RSA discussed these perspectives at Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Summit 22 as well. Check out the video below-
Source- Ellen MacArthur Foundation on YouTube.
These perspectives call for a transformation in our mindset, encouraging us to become active participants in the healing process rather than passive bystanders. The regenerative design invites us to reimagine and recreate our relationship with the environment, inspiring a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Role of Technology in regenerative design
Technology is helping us with sustainable buildings, and it has a crucial role to play in advancing regenerative design practices. With advanced design tools, innovation, and in-depth research to develop new materials and techniques, technology empowers architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create structures that go beyond sustainability and actively contribute to the restoration and regeneration of our ecosystems
Sustainable Materials and Construction Techniques:
We are moving on from traditional materials and techniques to newer, better ones such as recycled and low-impact materials that help reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. Innovative construction techniques, like prefab and 3D printing, allow for efficient and resource-conscious building processes.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM has revolutionized the design, construction, and management of buildings. It has enabled architects and engineers to design energy-efficient structures that require less material and prioritize natural lighting and ventilation.
Renewable Energy Integration
We can now design buildings with renewable energy systems like solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean and sustainable electricity. Furthermore, rainwater harvesting systems can be incorporated into building designs, allowing us to collect and store rainwater for various uses such as irrigation, flushing toilets, and even drinking water. These technologies enable us to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, conserve water resources, and minimize the overall environmental impact of our buildings.
Data Analytics and Performance Monitoring:
Advanced data analytics and monitoring tools provide real-time insights into building performance, identifying areas for improvement, and enabling informed decision-making. Metrics like energy consumption, water usage, and indoor air quality helps can be monitored to optimize building operations and sustainability.
Collaboration
Technology facilitates seamless collaboration and information sharing. With modern collaborative platforms, subject matter professionals and stakeholders can interact with each other on design concepts, fostering greater innovation and collective problem-solving.
With these technologies and with a new mindset, we can develop practical strategies for incorporating regenerative design principles in workflows. This way, we can contribute towards the restoration of ecosystems, replenishment of resources, and show improved resilience to climate change. Furthermore, social well-being can be fostered, and we can also enhance community engagement, and create sustainable and thriving environments that benefit both present and future generations.
It won’t be an easy task. We need monumental change, right from education to creating awareness, developing regulatory frameworks, and financial models, and training the workforce to make them proficient in using new technologies and tools. The process will be slow but if we start now, we can surely create a future where regenerative design is the norm!
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