The Regenerative Architecture Index
A collaboration between Architecture Today and UK Architects Declare, the Regenerative Architecture Index sets out to benchmark progress in the move towards regenerative practice - the launch event on 12 September promises to be the architectural networking event of the month
The UK Architects Declare movement was launched in 2019, attracting the signatories of over a thousand UK architecture practices, and 5,000 worldwide who have declared a climate and biodiversity emergency. Each has made a series of stated commitments that will collectively work to mitigate the impacts of the profession on planetary systems.
The Regenerative Architecture Index (RAI) is proposed as an extension of these intentions – designed to encourage regenerative practices and projects whilst recognising the need for a built environment that isn’t merely reducing its negative impacts, but has positive impacts for today and the long term.
Architects Declare co-founder Michael Pawlyn said “We’re delighted to be launching the Regenerative Architecture Index with Architecture Today. This is consistent with Architects Declare’s mission to promote the shift from sustainable to regenerative design. The index will be a great way to recognise those who are showing leadership and to share knowledge with all our signatories.”
The Index is not a conventional awards programme – the focus is educational rather than competitive, with an evolving series of activities based on benchmarking, sharing experience and acknowledging challenges and mistakes. Through the open pooling of knowledge and experience, the RAI hopes to inspire action and celebrate success – whilst identifying the obstacles to progress, and the way that architects are tackling them.
The core focus will be on three key criteria that exemplify regenerative solutions:
Being a good ancestor: Our decisions today should consider seven generations ahead, ensuring adaptability and flexibility for the future. This requires innovative thought, as current models are rarely beneficial in the long term.
Co-evolving with nature: Our work should actively regenerate ecosystems by learning from and working with natural systems. This requires designing for circularity and encouraging closed-loop energy, material and water cycles.
Creating a just space for people: Our design processes should foster a shared sense of stewardship where neighbourhoods can self-organise and build their resilience. This requires ethical, inclusive and participative approaches.
The launch party of the Regenerative Architecture Index will take place on Thursday 12 September, at The Bottle Factory in Peckham.
Regenerative Architecture Index Ambassadors Roman Krznaric and Phoebe Tickell will be present, alongside fellow ambassador Immy Kaur, Krzanric and Tickell who will define the three key pillars used to assess RAI entries: being a good ancestor, co-evolving with nature and creating a just space for people.
Special guest Brian Eno – will be in conversation with architect Michael Pawlyn – and discussions will take place over food, drinks, and the “company of forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the future of our built environment”.
Advertisements
