Regenerative materials and circular ecosystems for the climate emergency

ARC3018HF (LEC0104) 
Instructor: Sam Dufaux

As the world is rapidly undergoing a process of de-globalization, architecture finds itself in need of a new narrative away from the global, fossil fueled and growth logic driving us to the brink of extinction. In this context, architecture and the construction industry are at a crossroads seeking new local supply chains and resources able to drastically reduce our CO2 emissions, meet our climate goals and live within our planetary boundaries.

This seminar proposes to develop, together with the students, a new narrative around the concept of the ‘bioregional’, a framework to imagine new scenarios for the future. It seeks to articulate a bioregional approach to architecture and inspire projects that enable immediate action in the world. To structure the seminar, we will bring together two modes of inquiries.

First, we will examine the concept of ‘bioregionalism’ as articulated by Peter Berg and inspired by his 1960 's community-action groups, the San Francisco Diggers. The intent is to establish a strong understanding of that concept through a series of readings, discussions and case studies on bioregionalism.

Second, we will assess the potential and availability of regenerative materials in the Toronto bioregion and learn about their suitable use for design and construction. Regenerative materials either sequester carbon or have very low embodied carbon and are defined as minimally processed, readily available, local, healthy and non-toxic such as hemp, straw, earth, stone, bamboo, cork, mycelium, etc.

While parts of the seminar will focus on the Toronto bioregion, the bioregional framework is a toolbox intended to be deployed in other parts of the world by students taking into consideration local climates, resources and cultures.

Term Structure

• Week 1-3: Define the Bioregional
• Develop a bioregional mindset, present case studies
• Week 4-7: Toronto Bioregion  / Regenerative Life-Cycles
• Students will research specific regional resources and study their life cycles, stock and flows in relation to the local territory
• Week 8-12: Define the bioregional thesis / Concept tests

Students will develop a clear thesis statement, determine a scale of intervention and explore the concepts and knowledge gained from the earlier assignments

Image caption: Inverted Globe in the Outlook Tower, Patrick Geddes & Paul Reclus