Regenerative Design in Architecture | More than Sustainability

This approach not only minimizes environmental impact, but seeks to enhance and regenerate natural ecosystems. In architecture, regenerative design focuses on creating spaces that interact positively with the environment, fostering biodiversity and strengthening local ecosystems.  

What is regenerative design in architecture?  

Regenerative design in architecture is based on the idea of creating structures and spaces that not only reduce environmental impact, but also promote the regeneration of natural ecosystems. This approach considers the building as an active part of the environment, capable of providing benefits such as improving air quality, promoting biodiversity and restoring soil.  

Unlike sustainable design, which seeks to limit damage, regenerative design goes a step further by restoring and enriching the environment. Thus, a regenerative building is not just neutral, but seeks to be “positive,” interacting with and revitalizing the natural systems that surround it. 

Principles of regenerative design in architecture  

1. Ecosystem regeneration  

This approach promotes projects that revitalize local environments, helping to restore degraded soils, conserve native flora and encourage biodiversity. Buildings can integrate green roofs or vertical gardens that help create habitats for local species.  

2. Closed resource cycle  

Regenerative design seeks a self-sufficient resource cycle, reusing materials and managing water and energy efficiently. Rainwater harvesting systems and the implementation of renewable energy are central to this vision.  

3. Positive community impact  

Regenerative architecture has a strong social component. Regenerative projects often include public green spaces, areas for urban agriculture, and recreational areas that enrich community life.  

4. Climate adaptation and resilience  

This design also focuses on creating resilient buildings that can adapt to changing climate conditions, using materials and technologies that allow for better integration with the environment. 

Benefits of regenerative design in architecture  

Implementing a regenerative approach in construction has numerous benefits, both for the natural environment and for people:  

• Improved biodiversity: by creating natural habitats and refuges in urban spaces, the life of native species is encouraged.  

• Reduced CO₂ emissions: the use of natural materials and the implementation of renewable energy systems help reduce the carbon footprint.  

• Increased human well-being: regenerative design, by integrating natural elements, improves people's quality of life, promoting a connection between spaces and nature.  

• Resilience to climate change: regenerative architecture makes it possible to create spaces capable of adapting to different climatic phenomena, making them more sustainable in the long term. 

Examples of Regenerative Architecture Projects  

Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy  

This famous project by Stefano Boeri Architects integrates more than 900 trees into its two towers, promoting urban biodiversity and improving air quality. The plants not only act as a natural filter for the air, but also provide a habitat for birds and insects, creating a micro-ecosystem in the middle of the city.  

LILAC (Low Impact Living Affordable Community) in Leeds, UK  

An example of a community that focuses on sustainability and regeneration, using low-carbon building materials and promoting urban agriculture. This project demonstrates how regenerative practices can be integrated into community design, encouraging resident participation in creating a more sustainable and healthy environment.  

One Central Park in Sydney, Australia  

With vertical gardens that help regulate temperature and improve air quality, this building is an excellent example of how architecture can be regenerative. The vertical gardens not only beautify the building, but also contribute to energy efficiency and create a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors. 

Education and related studies | ETSALS  

At La Salle Campus Barcelona we are committed to technology and innovation in all our programs, whether they are degrees, masters or courses. With our own active learning by challenge methodology, we promote learning through real challenges. These challenges are posed both by companies and by industry entities or institutions. 

The Design Studio is an open area for teaching and learning architecture. A space for the activation of transversal and collective knowledge between students and teachers that uses the pedagogical method of learning by doing.  

In the Design Studio we encourage the entrepreneurial and critical spirit of our students through projects and online work. The first space for future architects in Spain follows three main axes: design, technique and culture. These values form the deep-rooted university tradition of sharing knowledge and awareness in all areas. 

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