OAA Webinar: Regenerative Design Process in Addressing Climate Emergency

Regenerative design and its practices seek to move beyond sustainability to form a positive partnership between buildings, communities, and nature. As the industry seeks strategies and skills to address the climate emergency, we must move beyond sustaining current systems and look towards a restorative framework for future generations. This presentation explores the critical question around the building industry’s methodology in addressing the climate emergency and the necessary shifts toward regenerative design. The investigation identifies three steps that lead towards the regenerative design solution: firstly, creation of the programmatic needs through listening and dialogue with the local community; secondly, a deep understanding of the site – its cultural context, climate, and physicality; and thirdly, the weaving together of the program with natural systems to optimize the passive design opportunities while enhancing the celebration of the environmental.

Learning Objectives

1. At the end of the presentation, the participants will receive a comprehensive overview of regenerative design methodologies.
2. Understand the environmental, economic, social, and cultural benefits of utilizing the regenerative design process.
3. Discuss key design and planning principles.
4. Analyze key case studies that support regenerative design methodologies.

Speakers

Veronica Madonna, Architect, OAA, FRAIC, M.Arch., B.E.D.S., B.Arch.Sc.
Veronica Madonna is an Assistant Professor at the RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University and a practicing architect of nearly 20 years and the founder of Studio Veronica Madonna Architect. As an educator, researcher and practitioner, Veronica’s focuses on regenerative design strategies, building innovations to reduce carbon, and equity in practice and education. She is a member of the OAA Sustainable Built Environment Committee, and is actively involved in the architectural community.

Trevor Butler, P.Eng., C. Eng., M.Eng., M.St.(cantab), LEED© AP BD+C
Trevor Butler is a Professional Engineer with over 28 years of experience in the AEC sector. He specializes in a creative, whole-systems approach to building design and development, delivering innovative engineering solutions that make significant strides towards energy neutrality and regenerative design.