Architecture as a Living System : Explorations of Regenerative Design in High Density Environment

Abstract

Food insecurity, energy shortages, pollution, urban flooding, and the pandemic have all caused significant negative impacts on human health and quality of life. Still, many people might be unaware of how much their regular habits are contributing to these problems. In addressing these issues, the importance of regenerative community design has become a widely adopted design solution across the globe. However, there remains a lack of theoretical and practical evidence of this concept in high-density urban environments. This research investigates the effectiveness of applying regenerative design in different dense neighbourhoods. The research locations chosen are in two distinct urban contexts: Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland. In tandem with many modern technologies available, for instance, generating renewable energy, harvesting rainwater, accommodating urban farming etc., both designs investigated how they could alter some of the challenges of global warming. This is done by creating environmentally friendly community-based solutions to reduce CO2 emissions. The research explored ways in which prefabricated building and co-housing could support many families in lessening concerns regarding housing affordability while improving social interaction. Both designs seek to include every individual as part of the community development process to encourage inhabitants to participate and communicate to solve problems together. The comparative designs research identified the positive aspects of each culture finding that, People Care1 culture in Ho Chi Minh City was greater while Earth Care2 culture in Auckland was considered more vital. Through architecture, the development of quintessential and self-reliant living environments can be achieved, hence opening more equity and balance between these distinct People Care and Earth Care cultures. The investigation revealed that regenerative architecture could be a part of the urbanised lifestyle. Over time, it could lead to a considerable reduction in energy use and industrial products consumption, enhancing human health and well-being at a time when the world economy is constantly changing.