EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF REGENERATIVE DESIGN: ADAPTING FRAMEWORKS TO JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Regenerative design presents an ecological world view that is a positive extension to the discourse on sustainable architecture. Regenerative design frameworks, namely the Perkins and Will framework and the LENSES framework are primarily adopted in the West. Yet, the Asia Pacific is a region that most critically requires regenerative design as a design perspective. This paper highlights the necessity for regenerative design in Asia, using Japan as a reference point. Other Japanese cultural tendencies that are detrimental to fostering a regenerative perspective locally are also identified for a holistic understanding of the context. Also, two regenerative design frameworks are analysed and the feasibility of using these western-centric frameworks in Japan are discussed. As there is currently no regenerative architecture pioneered in Japan, completed buildings in Japan with regenerative design elements, Namba Parks and Pasona Tokyo Headquarters are identified to serve as case studies. Mapping certain aspects of these case studies with the criteria of the frameworks allow critiques to be generated. Analysis shows that the regenerative design frameworks require some streamlining. Furthermore, it reveals a disparity between conceptualising frameworks and practical application. This is due to certain cultural doctrines in Japan that may act as obstacles for practitioners and proponents of regenerative design.