PG DS3 — The Oxford School of Architecture 2023-2024

DS3 - The Regenerative Studio

The studio explores the emergent ‘regenerative’ design paradigm whilst locating it within recent developments of associated theories: sustainability, resilience etc. The work by the Regenesis Group is used as the central theory: to unlock ways of designing that will work towards the transformation of human existence on the planet.

To transform habitats through an inter-being lens we worked on an estate in a rural context in Fife, Scotland which is in the process of transformative change. This was our locus to work with a variety of experts to better understand interconnected systems at play in and around the estate: financial, social, natural, human and physical. In addition, we worked with the current landowner, to explore the momentum of change for the Falkland Estate, which is transitioning to ownership that moves ‘beyond the Stuart family in order to promote the wellbeing & sustainability of the land and its people.’ (https://falklandestate.co.uk/falkland-estates-future-land-ownership/). Students explored regenerative development and design principles to unlock the potential for the place and understand and elaborate key themes which will be integral to the evolution of the land towards a regenerative future.

In summary, the studio explores the relevance, potential and application of the regenerative development and design paradigm to understand place and opportunities for regenerative design thinking for the architectural design and adaptation of our built and natural environments.

Alex Towler (studio lead), Melissa Kinnear (studio tutor), Tamara Kahn (studio tutor), Zuzanna Krzyzanowska (technology tutor), Andy Thomas (technology and structures tutor).
Ninian Stuart, Jake Lawy, Ben Haggard, Bill Reed, Jenny Anderson, Jonny Buckland, Donald Malone, Peter Newton
Year 1 Danen Abariga Dhari Almousa Year 2 Asmaa Badwaki Rhys Herbst Brian Jong Yaw Shung Imrul Kayes Jenny Lee Gokul Prasad Zsuzsi Schram Becks Smith Iara Valdivia Priscilla Huong Yunn

Common Roots Market

Rhys Herbst

The Common Roots Market envisions a transformative marketplace for a Multi-Stakeholder Cooperative focused on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). This project transcends a simple sales space, aiming to cultivate a resilient local food system that champions collaboration, transparency, and sustainability. It fosters a direct connection between producers and consumers, promoting regenerative agricultural practices and a profound respect for food and land stewardship.

Regenerative Design Principles: The design prioritizes mindful resource management and a harmonious relationship with the environment. Local, naturally occurring, and biodegradable materials inspired by Scotland's vernacular architecture will be used. This approach minimizes the project's environmental footprint while creating a structure that resonates with the surrounding landscape and reflects the cultural heritage of the region. Stone, wood, and other organic materials will be thoughtfully employed, ensuring the building's aesthetics and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand, embodying the principles of regenerative design. Beyond the Red line:

Themes: Environment, Sustainability, Social justice, Postgraduate, Regenerative Design

Hollow Oak Rewilding Centr

Jenny Lee

The more we connect with nature the better we feel. However, nature is currently on a declining trajectory and we are facing a climate emergency. Recognising the symbiotic relationship between nature and humans, the project takes a regenerative approach, focussing on rewilding Scotland with humans stepping in for missing keystone species. Located in the Falkland Estate, Scotland, the project is a residential rewilding hub which aims to introduce regenerative change, focussing on human and non-human co-living.

The aim of the project is to bring people to the site from all over Scotland where they can learn how to improve nature and connect with it. The site includes an existing barn and the design respects its tangible and intangible heritage, removing the roofs which are in poor condition and building inside the existing walls. All design decisions consider their impact on nature. Proposed building’s are raised off the ground to help with soil health and allow nature to encompass the buildings. Proposed materials consider the proximate and wider impacts and aim to help with local industries. Overall, all moves strive towards regenerative impacts on local and wider systems, creating a web of interconnected, mutually co-evolving systems.

Themes: Environment, Sustainability, Postgraduate

The Temple of Flourishing Earth, Body and Spirit

Becks Smith

The world is currently facing an environmental crisis, driven by humanity’s disconnect from the natural environment. By reconnecting oneself with natural systems, we have the capability to heal a damaged world.

The project seeks to transform the Falkland Estate, currently marred by human exploitation, into a re-wilding centre for both the land and the human mind. By reclaiming the estate’s overly engineered landscape, we aim to facilitate a paradigm shift in how we perceive and interact with our environment.

The Temple is an extension of this broader plan, featuring meditative areas designed with Taoist principles that emphasize connecting with the natural world. These areas promote introspection, contemplation, proprioception, and vestibular awareness. Additionally, the Temple includes both guided and independent educational spaces, as well as communal gathering areas for interaction and communication.

Themes: Environment, Sustainability, Innovation, Postgraduate, Regenerative