xvii
This book originates from a PhD that researched regenerative-adaptive design and the application of
a pattern language approach that considers our human- nature affiliations and adaptation responses to
climate change impacts (Roös, 2017). The research was undertaken in a framework of exploration and
critical thinking under an emancipatory paradigm. This book explains the narrative of the initial
research, followed by an immersion in a journey of discovery, and the further analysis and engagement in writing and proposing a new Regenerative-Adaptive Pattern Language for sustainable
development.
Taking us on a journey guided by patterns, this book follows a similar structure used in A Pattern
Language (Alexander et al., 1977). A typical pattern language is a process of describing a set of patterns or good design practices of useful organisation within a field of expertise. In this context,
Regenerative-Adaptive Pattern Language provides a more holistic process and framework by describing a set of patterns and adaptation practices in a useful, organised way for sustainable development,
regeneration, and design and planning. Further, this new pattern language offers us a new guide
towards re-establishing our deep innate human–nature connections.
The book begins with an introduction to the pattern language theory. It thereupon sets the scene by
describing the critical issues we face as a global society and how a new manner of thinking needs to
be adopted if humanity wants to survive. Connecting each chapter together, with upward and downward links within a hierarchical structure as part of a pattern language network, the book follows a
sequence of fundamental patterns:
• The Whole – describing the state of the planet and how to progress from an Anthropocene dominant to a regenerative-adaptive future (Chap. 1)
• Integral Sustainable Worldview – supporting an argument that we need to move beyond
sustainable development (Chap. 2)
• Climate Change Co-Adaptation – informing us that adaptation practice needs to include both
humans and nature (Chap. 3)
• Affinity To Water – instructing us how to deal with the complexities living next to water (Chap.
4)
• Advanced Indigenous Knowledge – identifying the importance of including this knowledge in
our design and planning for sustainable futures (Chap. 5)
• Love For Nature – stipulating an emphasis on the need to apply the deep human-nature affiliation to our design practice (Chap. 6)
• Nature’s Design – how to apply this knowledge to the design and planning of our current and
future human settlements (Chap. 7)
• Regenerative Ecosystems – representing the reasoning that an ecosystem thinking needs to be
fundamentally embedded in the discourse of regenerative design (Chap. 8)
• Transformations Of Wholeness – providing guidance on an all- encompassing philosophy
(Chap. 9)
About This Book
This book originates from a PhD that researched regenerative-adaptive design and the application of
a pattern language approach that considers our human- nature affiliations and adaptation responses to
climate change impacts (Roös, 2017). The research was undertaken in a framework of exploration and
critical thinking under an emancipatory paradigm. This book explains the narrative of the initial
research, followed by an immersion in a journey of discovery, and the further analysis and engagement in writing and proposing a new Regenerative-Adaptive Pattern Language for sustainable
development.
Taking us on a journey guided by patterns, this book follows a similar structure used in A Pattern
Language (Alexander et al., 1977). A typical pattern language is a process of describing a set of patterns or good design practices of useful organisation within a field of expertise. In this context,
Regenerative-Adaptive Pattern Language provides a more holistic process and framework by describing a set of patterns and adaptation practices in a useful, organised way for sustainable development,
regeneration, and design and planning. Further, this new pattern language offers us a new guide
towards re-establishing our deep innate human–nature connections.
The book begins with an introduction to the pattern language theory. It thereupon sets the scene by
describing the critical issues we face as a global society and how a new manner of thinking needs to
be adopted if humanity wants to survive. Connecting each chapter together, with upward and downward links within a hierarchical structure as part of a pattern language network, the book follows a
sequence of fundamental patterns:
• The Whole – describing the state of the planet and how to progress from an Anthropocene dominant to a regenerative-adaptive future (Chap. 1)
• Integral Sustainable Worldview – supporting an argument that we need to move beyond
sustainable development (Chap. 2)
• Climate Change Co-Adaptation – informing us that adaptation practice needs to include both
humans and nature (Chap. 3)
• Affinity To Water – instructing us how to deal with the complexities living next to water (Chap.
4)
• Advanced Indigenous Knowledge – identifying the importance of including this knowledge in
our design and planning for sustainable futures (Chap. 5)
• Love For Nature – stipulating an emphasis on the need to apply the deep human-nature affiliation to our design practice (Chap. 6)
• Nature’s Design – how to apply this knowledge to the design and planning of our current and
future human settlements (Chap. 7)
• Regenerative Ecosystems – representing the reasoning that an ecosystem thinking needs to be
fundamentally embedded in the discourse of regenerative design (Chap. 8)
• Transformations Of Wholeness – providing guidance on an all- encompassing philosophy
(Chap. 9)
About This Book