Regenerative & biophilic design

Regenerative design is a set of strategies in which human systems are designed to co-exist and co-evolve over time with the naturals systems of which we are part. Green design focuses on reducing harm and damage of what is seen as planetary resources, while sustainable design is about recovering an equilibrium where human needs are in balance with planetary health. In regenerative state, human built systems recover ecosystems and support the needs of thriving natural systems, learning from living systems and evolution, incorporating nature as a key R&D stakeholder and creative designer.

The design of digital technologies (hardware and software) should be determined by democratic and participatory processes and help regenerate natural ecosystems and promote social cohesion. ¹

Regenerativity principles disrupt and surpass technology design associated with power accumulation, a polarisation of opportunity and environmental inequalities, consumption and profit maximalisation.

• Regenerate natural ecosystems and social cohesion.
• Democratic, co-creative and sustainable.
• Creative problem solving with wide perspective and planet encompassing focus with humans as integral part.
• Evolution from designing objects to designing material flows and systems serving the common good.
• Design process should be as open, participatory and transparent as possible.
• Integrate diverse views, needs and issues (not just those of predominantly highly-educated, middle-class males in urban centres), co-design principles with active participation from all users are essential.

See also: Permacircularity, Permacomputing research fields and methods;