PLACE AND REGENERATIVE THINKING IN ASIA

Abstract

Regenerative Design is a paradigm shift in thinking about sustainability. It is an approach to create the means for multiple benefits for the environment, community and economy. It also centers itself as a place-based design methodology. This paper will be set in the context of Asia where rapid urbanization has resulted in the encroachment and destruction of its natural environment. Existing frameworks however, do not consider the socio-historic narratives that are useful in considering the uniqueness of certain places. There is considerable research in place theory where the use of such narratives to build stories allows us to understand it better. Therefore, place making in a regenerative sense appears to be different as opposed to place making as interpreted in theory. The historical condition is very much present in Asia and rapid change has caused this condition to be threatened and important for consideration. This paper will examine 2 case studies in Asia – Agroforestry and Community Forest Management in Phai Sali and the Cheonggyecheon stream restoration project. These case studies will demonstrate how applicable regenerative design is with regards to the context that these projects are situated in. Frameworks in practice will be critically evaluated in situating design with place.