Beyond Human: Regenerative Futures for Non-Isolated Ecologies
This module explores the dynamic relationship between architectural design and technology through the lens of regenerative development and more-than-human design thinking. Starting from the sun as the source of all energy on Earth, we investigate how technology can align with natural processes to create buildings that actively heal and enhance both human and ecological wellbeing.
Moving beyond sustainability's "less bad" approach, we embrace regenerative design that creates net positive impacts. Students will learn to think in systems, design for multiple species, and consider deep time implications of their architectural decisions.
A two-week intensive field trip to Marseille (October 5-17) provides hands-on experience with Mediterranean climate challenges, urban regeneration opportunities, and community engagement methods. Students will apply thermodynamic principles, test speculative scenarios, and develop place-based solutions.
Maroun C. Tabbal
maroun.tabbal@ucc.ie
Office Hours: By appointment via Teams
Wednesdays
10:30 - 12:30
Location: LR1
Basic architectural design knowledge
Openness to systems thinking
Willingness to challenge assumptions
Critically assess relevant technologies for sustainable architecture, especially biomimetic and regenerative approaches.
Critically assess the role of bioinspired and circular design in advancing true sustainability.
Enhance architectural projects through technical research grounded in nature's principles and systems thinking.
Analyse construction, climate, and structural systems for resilience, circularity, and adaptability.
Integrate robust technology innovations to foster creativity in regenerative design.
Model complex architectural systems and communicate viable proposals through advanced visualizations.
Module overview, research methods, epistemological frameworks
Deliverable: Research methodology selectionAdvanced methods, site documentation protocols, field prep
Deliverable: Project proposal with frameworkSite documentation, energy mapping, community engagement
Daily photo documentation and field notesScenario workshops, multispecies observation, VR/AR capture
Deliverable: Site analysis portfolioCosmic energy flows, entropy as productive, gradient management
Exercise: Energy flow mappingLiving buildings, bio-integration, regenerative paradigms
Exercise: Three scenario narrativesArchitecture as geological force, planetary boundaries
Exercise: 100-1000 year projectionsRegenerative metrics, multispecies comfort, adaptive management
Exercise: Performance criteria matrixBIM as worldview, collaborative protocols, living models
Workshop: Paper BIM exerciseImmersive engagement, urban gaming, spatial justice
Gaming: Multispecies ParliamentTechnical synthesis, project consultations, peer review
Deliverable: Technical dossier draft20-minute presentations, peer Q&A, knowledge synthesis
Assessment: Seminar presentationFinal reviews, reflection, exhibition preparation
Final submission: Technical dossierCalifornia Academy of Sciences, Gando School Extension, Eastgate Centre Zimbabwe
BIQ House Hamburg, Growing Pavilion, Silk Pavilion MIT, Bio-Integrated Design Lab
Eden Project, Bullitt Center, R-Urban Network Paris, Park Royal Singapore
Three Horizons, Panarchy, Actor-Network Theory, Assemblage Thinking
| Component | Due Date | Weight | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Framework | October 1 | 10% | Written proposal (1000 words) |
| Site Analysis Portfolio | October 17 | 15% | Mixed media documentation |
| Energy & Scenarios | October 29 | 15% | Diagrams & narratives |
| Technical Development | November 26 | 20% | Progressive portfolio |
| Seminar Presentation | December 10 | 20% | 20-minute presentation |
| Final Technical Dossier | December 17 | 20% | Comprehensive document (3500 words) |
| Criteria | Exceptional (70%+) | Advanced (60-69%) | Proficient (50-59%) | Developing (40-49%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Question | Original, complex, multi-layered question | Clear, focused, researchable | Basic but adequate | Vague or too broad |
| Methodology | Multiple methods, justified, innovative | Appropriate methods, well justified | Standard methods, some justification | Limited methods, weak justification |
| Ethics | Comprehensive consideration, multispecies | Good ethical framework | Basic ethics addressed | Limited ethical consideration |
| Literature | 15+ sources, critical synthesis | 10+ sources, good integration | 7+ sources, adequate use | 5+ sources, surface level |
| Criteria | Exceptional (70%+) | Advanced (60-69%) | Proficient (50-59%) | Developing (40-49%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Documentation | Multi-sensory, rich, systematic | Comprehensive, well-organized | Adequate coverage | Basic documentation |
| Energy Analysis | Sophisticated gradient mapping | Clear energy flow identification | Basic energy observations | Limited energy awareness |
| Community Engagement | Deep engagement, co-creation | Good interaction, documentation | Some community contact | Minimal engagement |
| Synthesis | Brilliant insights, patterns identified | Good connections made | Basic synthesis attempted | Limited integration |
| Criteria | Exceptional (70%+) | Advanced (60-69%) | Proficient (50-59%) | Developing (40-49%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integration | Seamless synthesis of all concepts | Good integration evident | Adequate connections | Limited integration |
| Technical Depth | Expert level understanding | Strong technical grasp | Competent application | Surface understanding |
| Innovation | Original contribution to field | Creative applications | Some novel elements | Conventional approach |
| Communication | Publication quality | Very clear and compelling | Clear and organized | Basic clarity |
| Criteria | Exceptional (70%+) | Advanced (60-69%) | Proficient (50-59%) | Developing (40-49%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content | Deep insights, original thinking | Strong understanding shown | Good grasp of concepts | Basic understanding |
| Delivery | Engaging, confident, inspiring | Clear, well-paced | Adequate presentation | Needs improvement |
| Visuals | Stunning, enhances message | Professional, clear | Adequate support | Basic or distracting |
| Q&A | Expert handling, extends thinking | Good responses | Adequate answers | Struggles with questions |