As humanity, we have gone far too far in our use of nature and natural resources. Ignoring the lessons learned from its systems - we take away, use and throw away, instead of caring for, enhancing and regenerating. It's high time to change this.
Simply reducing resource consumption is no longer enough. A change in the consumption paradigm can be brought about by regenerative design, an approach in which the systems created and solutions proposed ensure the coexistence and joint development of humans and nature, reduce negative impacts on the environment and actively work toward its renewal.
In Arup's report "Regenerative Design: towards living in harmony with nature," the authors delineate three, complementary principles of regenerative design: Nature-led, i.e. design that enhances and mimics natural systems; Systemic, which allows interconnectedness to be seen and understood; Equitable - prioritizing the biosphere allows for the creation of a better space for humans.
We are now at a unique point in time where people are starting to understand the complexity of Earth's systems, and how significant of a geophysical force humans have become, while still having the ability to change the trajectory and repair the damage done to date
- reads the report.
International Summer School - Grounded Future, Designing Regenerative Landscapes
So how do we get there? Preferably, by learning from practitioners and from concrete examples. Bahaa Bou Kalfouni, an architect and urban planner and assistant at Gdansk University of Technology, oversees the international Grounded Future program, whose participants have the chance to discover sustainable design strategies rooted in nature, culture and community. As part of this initiative, a workshop promoting regenerative landscape practices will be held in Lebanon from September 24 to 28.
International Summer School - a future based on solid foundations, regenerative landscape design
© Babu-Space Actions
This immersive program encourages participants to engage directly with the land, learning hands-on techniques from seed saving to ecological farming, and understanding how these practices can be woven into design, planning, and community-led projects. By combining scientific insights, traditional wisdom, and creative design, Grounded Future supports the creation of resilient landscapes that serve both people and the planet.
Why Lebanon in particular? The mountain range there is, as the organizers point out, a living laboratory for sustainable and regenerative design with centuries-old agricultural traditions:
Local initiatives and knowledge holders have long cultivated strategies to protect biodiversity and maintain soil and water resources in the face of climate change. The workshop builds on this heritage, fostering collaboration between experts and communities to craft innovative solutions that honor local traditions while addressing global sustainability challenges.
© Babu-Space Actions
Willingness to participate in the event must be registered by September 5 via an online form. The program and detailed information about the workshop are available on the event page.
