185
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
P. B. Roös, Regenerative-Adaptive Design for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development
Goals Series, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53234-5_12
Chapter 12
The Living Earth: Revenge or Celebration?
Abstract This final chapter brings together the cumulative knowledge built up throughout the book,
and summarises how the regenerative- adaptive pattern language offers a holistic approach, informed
by nature, to better craft and strengthen our built and natural environment for the future. The ‘knowledge of making life’ is embedded in the fractal geometry and morphological sequences of nature, and
if we can establish a process and method to reconnect the human-nature relationship and secure resilience through our actions – both in planning and design practice, and in sustainable development – we
can potentially be liberated. However, the chapter highlights that the Living Earth system behaves as
a single, self- regulating system to support life, as emphasised by the Gaia Hypothesis (Lovelock,
Atmospheric Environment 6:579–580, 1972). Facing an unprecedented changing climate and environment due to anthropogenic causes, the question remains as to whether we as humans can achieve a
symbiosis with the revenge or celebration of Gaia. The chapter concludes with the fundamental pattern Giai’s Revenge [12], reminding us of the ultimate reality that we as humans are only a small part
of this larger self-regulating system of Life on Earth.
Keywords Living structure · Self-regulating system · Architecture for life · Living process ·
Regenerative system · Degenerative system · Gaia’s revenge · Restoration · Regenerative-adaptive
Upward links:
… the fundamental process for dealing with forces of change at a specific place at the local community level,
which are part of the regenerative progressions of place, is achievable through the application of the Notion Of
Regenerative- Adaptive Patterns [10]. Regenerative patterns allow for constant regeneration. Including
adaptive capacity as part of the ongoing function of place, Evolutionary Adaptation [11] allows for establishing resilience for both human and natural systems. However, urgent action is required for a new Integral
Sustainable Worldview [2] to align human’s future with Gaia’s Revenge [12].
12.1 Introduction
The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To
cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope (Wendell Berry in Vaughan-Lee,
2016, 2–13, p. ix).
In the beginning, this book starts with the following statement:
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
P. B. Roös, Regenerative-Adaptive Design for Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development
Goals Series, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53234-5_12
Chapter 12
The Living Earth: Revenge or Celebration?
Abstract This final chapter brings together the cumulative knowledge built up throughout the book,
and summarises how the regenerative- adaptive pattern language offers a holistic approach, informed
by nature, to better craft and strengthen our built and natural environment for the future. The ‘knowledge of making life’ is embedded in the fractal geometry and morphological sequences of nature, and
if we can establish a process and method to reconnect the human-nature relationship and secure resilience through our actions – both in planning and design practice, and in sustainable development – we
can potentially be liberated. However, the chapter highlights that the Living Earth system behaves as
a single, self- regulating system to support life, as emphasised by the Gaia Hypothesis (Lovelock,
Atmospheric Environment 6:579–580, 1972). Facing an unprecedented changing climate and environment due to anthropogenic causes, the question remains as to whether we as humans can achieve a
symbiosis with the revenge or celebration of Gaia. The chapter concludes with the fundamental pattern Giai’s Revenge [12], reminding us of the ultimate reality that we as humans are only a small part
of this larger self-regulating system of Life on Earth.
Keywords Living structure · Self-regulating system · Architecture for life · Living process ·
Regenerative system · Degenerative system · Gaia’s revenge · Restoration · Regenerative-adaptive
Upward links:
… the fundamental process for dealing with forces of change at a specific place at the local community level,
which are part of the regenerative progressions of place, is achievable through the application of the Notion Of
Regenerative- Adaptive Patterns [10]. Regenerative patterns allow for constant regeneration. Including
adaptive capacity as part of the ongoing function of place, Evolutionary Adaptation [11] allows for establishing resilience for both human and natural systems. However, urgent action is required for a new Integral
Sustainable Worldview [2] to align human’s future with Gaia’s Revenge [12].
12.1 Introduction
The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To
cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope (Wendell Berry in Vaughan-Lee,
2016, 2–13, p. ix).
In the beginning, this book starts with the following statement: