Regenerative architecture: Beyond sustainability with biomimicry

Sustainability is no longer sufficient – architecture must become regenerative, actively restoring ecosystems and communities. This panel will explore how architects, urban planners, and developers can go beyond carbon neutrality to design buildings that contribute positively to the environment. Discussions will examine biomimicry, living buildings, and materials that absorb carbon rather than emit it. Experts will share insights into integrating nature into urban spaces, from rooftop forests to water-sensitive urban design, redefining the relationship between the built and natural environment.

Learning Outcomes

Following this presentation, you should be able to:

• Define the terms ‘regenerative architecture’ and ‘biomimicry’
• Explain how these terms differ from related concepts like ‘sustainability’ and ‘carbon neutrality’
• Outline strategies and methods associated with regenerative architecture
• Identify examples of regenerative architecture

This presentation will deliver outcomes related to the following Competency/s from the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021:

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

PC 10 – Demonstrate understanding of the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

PC 25 – Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design

PC 28 – Be able to draw on knowledge from building sciences and technology, environmental sciences and behavioural and social sciences as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design to optimise the performance of the project.

PC 31 – Be able to identify, analyse and integrate information relevant to environmental sustainability – such as energy and water consumption, resources depletion, waste, embodied carbon and carbon emissions – over the lifecycle of a project.

PC 35 – Be able to assess operational and embodied carbon implications of materials, components, construction systems and supply chains (including transport) to achieve net zero whole life carbon when developing design concepts. This includes integrating relevant consultant expertise and advising on the impact of chosen materials, components and systems on carbon outcomes.

This session is presented by: