Sustainable architecture or green architecture has always challenged architects to produce smart designs using the current technology for a better future. Sustainability has always been about creating a better future using the present resources. Sustainable architecture follows the principles of sustainable design, energy efficiency, durability, waste reduction, Indoor air quality, water conservation, and green building materials.
In the 1960s and 1970s, architects began focusing on a more holistic approach to the built environment. The built design focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources, and creating a healthier environment where concepts like passive ventilation and solar lighting were the focus. The current trends of sustainable architecture focus on environmental protection and a high-quality living environment for the occupants. Technological advancements have presented an increase in trends like hydroponics, vertical gardens, smart retrofitting, green concrete, etc. Even after all these efforts, climate change continued to be a more serious issue. 2019 is recorded to be the second warmest year and temperature is said to be increased by 3.5 degrees by 2100. This led to the idea of ‘doing more good’ than doing ‘less bad’. Regenerative design focuses on not only protecting the environment but also reversing the already done harm. Regenerative design has led designers and planners to focus on restoring the environment in a way that is not affected by human activity, leading to a positive growth and sustainable future. The designs mimic natural systems and in a way nature itself. The growth from sustainable architecture to regenerative design is at the deflection point in this graph. We have much to learn before we can implement regenerative design in our day-to-day life and it is a gradual process.
Bosco Verticale, Milan, Italy.
The Bosco Verticale is a prototype building intended to create a new type of architectural biodiversity that aims to address the relationship between human beings and natural systems. The building complex consists of two towers 80m and 112m high that house around 800 trees and vegetation equivalent to 30,000 square metres of woodland and undergrowth. The green shield created by these vegetative covers filters sunlight indoors creating a comfortable internal climate and protecting it from the harmful effects of the environment.
The staggering and projected balconies comprise large external tubs that carry vegetation and allow trees to grow over three floors of the building. Also, the porcelain stoneware facade mimics the brown colour of the bark, reminding of a pair of large trees that float.
The concept of a vertical forest that replaces traditional urban materials with changing polychromy of leaves for its walls is being carefully implemented in this project highlighting the regenerative principle of giving back more by creating a habitat for numerous animal species including 1,600 specimens of birds and butterflies along with being an anti-sprawl method that reduces urban expansion.
One Angel Square, Manchester
One Angel Square consists of 328,000 ft of flexible high-quality office spaces designed to deliver a 50% reduction in energy consumption and an 80% reduction in carbon which leads to a 30% reduction in operating costs. It is the highest scoring BREEAM ‘outstanding’ building in the country, designed by 3D Reid.
Engineering features like the double skin façade and underground concrete earth tubes contribute to the thermal comfort of the building. The atrium is utilized for removing the waste air through the stack effect minimizing the need for large extract risers. The water recycling system for grey water and rainwater reduces the water consumption in the building. The building design is also future-proofed for the upcoming global warming issues as a response to sustainable design.
Eco-Conscious Landscapes
Regenerative design is not limited to buildings but it is more importantly the creation of a relationship between the indoors and outdoors. The core principles of an eco-conscious landscape are the selection of native plant species, water conservation, and eco-friendly hardscaping. These landscapes are responsive to the environment, regenerative, and contribute to the development of healthier communities. Technological advancements have led to the creation of artificial ecosystems that mimic natural ones like the engineered wetland systems that contribute to ‘doing more good’.
The Road Ahead
Sustainable architecture led the world towards what it is today and it was a worthy movement. But sustainable design alone is not enough to reverse back the impacts of human activities. The solution is the regenerative concept, which implies locally adaptable, resource-conserving policies, strategies, and products that are tailored to the biocultural uniqueness of each location. It is deeply embedded in understanding the interconnectedness of natural living systems, providing viable management solutions for economies to not exceed the environmental, social, and economic carrying capacity of ecosystems.
Online sources:
- ‘History of Sustainable Architecture’ (2022) Scenario architecture, 29 March. Available at: https://scenarioarchitecture.com/sustainability/history-of-sustainable-architecture/#:~:text=In%20the%201960s%20and%201970s,healthier%20living%20environments%20for%20people. (Accessed: 2025).
- ‘The Shift from Sustainable to Regenerative Design’ (no date) Jonite. Available at: https://www.jonite.com/the-shift-from-sustainable-to-regenerative-design/#:~:text=Sustainability%20was%20an%20excellent%20start,impact%20on%20the%20environment%20instead. (Accessed: 2025).
- (No date) https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/. Milan, Italy. Available at: https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/project/vertical-forest/ (Accessed: 2025).
- ‘Bosco Verticale-Stefano Boeri Architetti’ (2015) archdaily, 23 November. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/777498/bosco-verticale-stefano-boeri-architetti (Accessed: 2025).
- ‘1 Angel Square / 3D Reid’ (2013) archdaily, 27 February. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/337430/1-angel-square-3d-reid (Accessed: 2025).
- East, M. (2020) ‘The transition from sustainable to Regenerative Development’, Ecocycles, 6(1), pp. 106–109. doi:10.19040/ecocycles.v6i1.168.
Images/visual mediums:
- Path from sustainable architecture to regenerative design.
Hutton, P. c (2021) The Shift from Sustainable to Regenerative Design. Sustainable brands. Available at: https://sustainablebrands.com/read/sustainable-regenerative-design (Accessed: 2025).
- The vegetative shield is utilized to create a comfortable internal climate_© Boeri Studio
(No date) https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/. Milan, Italy. Available at: https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/en/project/vertical-forest/ (Accessed: 2025).
- The staggering overhang balconies that comprise the vegetation tubs_© Paolo Rosselli
‘Rosselli, P(2015) archdaily, 23 November. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/777498/bosco-verticale-stefano-boeri-architetti (Accessed: 2025).
- Hopkinson, D. (2013) archdaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/337430/1-angel-square-3d-reid (Accessed: 2025).
- Constructed wetlands
Glenstone, Potomac MD (2019) 2019 Asla Professional awards. Available at: https://www.asla.org/2019awards/641548-Glenstone.html (Accessed: 2025).
