Bioregional Approach for Regenerating Urban Space

Abstract

Bioregional approach in architecture, rooted in the principles of place-based design and ecological resilience, proposes a holistic framework for regenerating urban spaces. This approach integrates local natural systems, cultural heritage, and regional material supply chains to create urban environments that are not only sustainable but also regenerative, actively restoring ecological balance and enhancing biodiversity. Today, it's not enough to provide sustainable design, which at best achieves a form of neutrality in which all negative impacts have been mitigated. It is now time to excel in regenerative design, where our approach to design needs to better factor in externalities and wider impacts that arise through supply chains and building processes in order to address the biodiversity crisis and ecosystem impacts of our industry. The aim of this article is to understand the principles of regenerative design and how it differs from sustainable design. To research “bioregionalism” as a regenerative design approach and introduce practical bioregional examples. Based on that, to understand how such an approach can help to regenerate urban space, what are the benefits of such an approach, and how does it add benefits?