A practitioner's view of the 'regenerative paradigm'

The Building Research & Information special issue titled 'Regenerative Design and Development' (2012, volume 40, number 1) describes emerging theory and practices. This commentary reflects on some practical aspects of understanding and implementing regenerative development. Design professionals can certainly engage with the concepts of regenerative design to increase social and natural capital. Its scope provides for increased boundaries of practice by considering not only the building as an artefact, but also the potential to broaden the brief and engage with wider issues: the surrounding site, the encouragement of a low-carbon lifestyle and providing a positive contribution to eco-services. Drawing on some experience from practice, key challenges are raised: What impediments are likely to arise? What methodologies are needed for overcoming impediments and integrating these ideas into practice? How can the regenerative concept be applied to an urban context? Concern is expressed about how the complexity of systems thinking can be translated into the decision-making processes without adding undue complication. An important implication of regenerative development is for the existing building stock to be treated as a valuable resource of embodied carbon; its prolonged life and avoided demolition are fundamental.