Regenerative Practice Applies to All Areas of Life.

It's common knowledge that we need to explore and create design practices that will sustain our environment and help regenerate the planet. Commercial buildings, residential sites, and shared green spaces are vitally important, but what about our relationships with the earth and our communities?

There is much more to regenerative architecture and practice than using recycled paper and the proper disposal of batteries. It's more than green walls and indoor fountains, and it is more than solar panels.

Much of regeneration applies to our relationships with each other and our relationship with the planet. 

• What are our values? 

• What does equity mean to us? 

• How do we decide on community and business culture?

Our impact is determined by how well we can work together to incite change. Yes, infrastructure matters. But, creating an environment of honesty when mistakes are made and equity when considering business hierarchies will ensure projects are met with open eyes and fresh ideas. 

• Who has the most input during planning meetings? 

• How are clients dissuaded from carbon-intensive uses of energy?

• Is the proposed project serving all parties?

We have learned the hard way that we cannot wait for the government to intervene. To make our desire for regenerative design one that is commonplace in the world of architecture, we must ensure that all bases are covered. We can all come together and pool our knowledge and passion for change to create a "new normal" in architectural design.

Regenerative design is not only about the infrastructure of a single project. It covers the social and organizational needs affecting real estate design and development practices.

Recycled paper matters, as do solar panels and the use of natural energy. Biophilic design is a crucial aspect of regenerative practice. However, there are exponentially more variables to be considered if we are going to create lasting and impactful change. Working together within communities and ensuring there is space at the proverbial table will ensure we, as a collective, will incite this change.

Geoffrey Scott said it best:

“The art of architecture studies not only the structure in itself, but the effect of the structure on the human spirit.”