Developing a Design Paradigm for Regenerative Buildings that Give Back More than They Take

Abstract This paper presents a regenerative design philosophy and a design paradigm for the built environment including 12 indicators of regenerative building design developed by Søren Jensen Consulting Engineering. The regenerative design paradigm was developed to address the challenge of designing liveable and healthy built environments whilst reestablishing planetary health. The design paradigm is based on a literature study of different discourses and methodologies relating to regenerative thinking, presentations from and interviews with researchers and specialists as well as case-studies of reference projects. The design paradigm aims to give back more than it takes of planetary resources whilst providing a living environment that promotes a healthy and happy life within and between buildings. Inspired by the Future Fit 6 methodology the design paradigm identifies break-even and positive pursuit goals for planetary and people health in the built environment.