The value of regenerative design has been emphasised by the challenges of the contemporary world. Design practices that focus on restoration and renewal and give back more than they take out offer the opportunity to build a more sustainable, equitable future. The environmental and societal challenges we face today have been brought to the fore of our collective consciousness because of unfolding global events. These events have the potential to paint a bleak picture, but there is cause for optimism and hope. These challenges present us with an opportunity to reshape how we live, work, and play using nature-based solutions.
To achieve this, we must all learn to ask more questions, such as “what can we give back?” and “how can we be part of the solution, not the problem?”. Regenerative design is a route by which we can achieve this. Regenerative design approaches work in parallel with other systems-based processes like nature-based solutions, nature recovery networks and natural climate solutions to achieve net positives and gains. It goes beyond mere mitigation and reduction to restore the balance needed to achieve a greater good.
Placing environmental considerations at the centre of development will build sustainability and resilience in our towns and cities while ensuring outcomes reflect the needs of society. These ideas are already gathering pace. In the UK, the government launched a consultation in January 2022 to gather perspectives on its proposals to place biodiversity net gain and environmental protection at the centre of new infrastructure developments.
Taking the principle of collaboration and co-creation into all areas of design and development will ensure the environmental, social and health challenges of the contemporary world are addressed and will be key to creating a more resilient, sustainable and equitable future for all. In a recent article published by RSK group, Andrew Tempany explores how we can create a resilient, nature-based future with collaboration at its core. Read the full article here.
Written by Andrew Tempany.