Daring the Impossible: Redefining Leadership in Architecture for a Regenerative World

The article is structured to include the questions posed during the debate. The answers presented in this piece are deeply influenced by the discussion and serve as a reflection on the necessary steps to redefine leadership in architecture and the building industry.

Q1: Which leadership skills and core knowledge must building professionals possess in order to foster regenerative architecture throughout the entire project cycle, encompassing the initial sketch, the process-loop from project framework to procurement, contracts, collaborators, stakeholder interests, and extending beyond the completion of projects?

It is important for us all to acknowledge that regenerative leaders do not currently exist. To comprehend why, we must first understand the concept of regeneration. Regeneration, in the context of leadership, implies that your abilities not only alleviate stress on planetary limits but also actively facilitate positive change. This principle extends to both people and the planet.

It is crucial to recognize that very few individuals can fully embody this ideal. As a result, the term itself becomes problematic. The reason we can't live up to this ideal is because;

It’s impossible to behave according to good values, in a system built on bad ones.

Recognizing this truth is the initial step towards understanding where our attention should be directed. To foster regenerative leadership, it is essential to initiate a transformative shift in the system itself. The current system have forced us to trade community for convince in order for keep ensuring the continued growth, because Elites depend on the growth for their survival as elites.

To tackle the challenges within the construction industry, it is crucial to identify the systemic failures rather than simply addressing the surface-level issues. These failures stem from various root causes, the predominant problem is that , We build in service of finance not people. Furthermore, we often overlook the involvement of individuals affected by architectural projects in the design process.

To remedy this situation, it becomes imperative to redefine the roles of architects, engineers, builders, and others within the industry. We need to shift our focus from the accumulation of wealth to the promotion of well-being, from the pursuit of relentless economic growth to embracing sufficiency, and from a culture of competition to fostering collaboration. By embracing these values, we can fundamentally transform our operational approaches and pave the way for a brighter future in the industry. 

Q2: What are the primary obstacles that hinder the attainment of regenerative leadership in the building industry?

Our current state is confined within the boundaries of capitalist realism. As leaders, our primary responsibility is to present an alternative path that liberates people from the notion that our existing system is the only option available.

In our endeavor to uphold the status quo, we often explore new strategies such as circular construction, certifications, computational design, and others. These methods are marketed as solutions to our problems, as they offer the potential to sustain growth. However, it is important to recognize that these solutions only address the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. The actual problem is that

We are completely ignorant to the fact that the disease is our overconsumption. We dream of technical fixes that ensure we can continue overspending. But we do not reduce the consumption that caused the problem in the first place

If we understand this, we must come to the realization that construction should only occur when absolutely necessary for the well-being of people and the planet. It is essential to understand that architecture goes beyond maintaining social status and structures; it is about fostering community and forging meaningful connections between individuals and the environment. 

Q3: In your perspective, what are the pressing issues that require immediate attention, and how can the industry address these challenges effectively?

We need to ensure architects comprehend the significance of climate science in relation to their profession, it is evident that we have a substantial lack of education regarding the environmental impact our work carries. Unfortunately the lack of knowledge results in our failure to fully grasp the consequences that arise if we do not alter our course.

The construction industry's approach to sustainability has been centered around the concept of 'the polluter must pay,' suggesting that the industry should bear the costs of the negative impact caused by construction on ecosystems. However, the lack of substantial action taken in the past two decades has made it evident that a more significant shift is needed. Instead the industry needs to adopt the 'the polluter must not pollute' principle if we want to be serious about solving the polycrisis. The harm inflicted upon our planetary boundaries is so extensive that no amount of money can truly compensate for the damage caused.

The industry must acknowledge its responsibility for the buildings it creates and their impact on society and the planet. To accomplish this, it is essential to break free from the current entangled system.

To facilitate this transformation, legislation and targets rooted in climate science, rather than liberal economist thinking, must be implemented. These measures would result in high-income nations refraining from constructing new buildings unless they are vital for human and planetary well-being. Instead, the focus would shift towards renovating and transforming existing structures, utilizing fast-growing biogenic materials and available resources, while ensuring equitable distribution of existing space.

Unfortunately, larger firms often face challenges in initiating such changes due to their dependence on the current system. Hence, empowering the new generation of architects becomes crucial. By granting them agency and leadership, we pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible future.

Q4: What measures are necessary at various policy levels and within the construction industry as a whole to foster re-generativity? How do you plan to contribute to the needed changes within your field of work? What should other stakeholders be aware of regarding your commitment to contribute?

Adults need to stop acting like children, so that children don't have to become adults themselves.

As responsible adults, we must take ownership of our children's well-being and refrain from burdening them with the weight of adulthood prematurely. It's time to cease making excuses and hiding behind cultural and systemic issues when addressing the pressing polycrisis.

Our children are well aware of the challenges they will face, and it is our duty not to leave them to shoulder the responsibility alone. Similar to neglectful parents who prioritize their own needs, such as alcohol, work, ego, etc., over their children's well-being, we too are failing by neglecting our responsibilities. Together, we empower our children by embracing their challenges and fulfilling our obligations. We need to embrace this responsibility. If we aspire to be leaders, we should not merely be the captain steering the ship; rather, we should strive to be the person who operates the lighthouse.

Q5: What are the necessary steps to redefine the industry's role if our goal is to become regenerative leaders? (This is a summary of the last questions posed in the debate)

To truly change the world, we must embark on a profound redefinition of what a good and just society looks like. Visionary architects, engineers, and builders have proven to be extraordinary catalysts for mobilizing people and effecting change. In order to inspire and mobilize everyone, we need to go beyond simply telling people what to move away from and start showing them where we should go.

It is crucial that we never stop believing in the power of change. Imagine a world where we redefine how we raise our children, the homes we live in, the way we share or hoard property, and the diverse forms of families we choose. The impact of these seemingly ordinary aspects of life can be profound, not only on our own well-being but also on the entire world. 

History shows that radical ideas have not only transformed material conditions but also fueled our collective desire for a more just and equitable world. By challenging the status quo and embracing everyday utopian visions, we can reignite our passion for change—both as individuals and as a society.

We can envision a world where a new society takes on a whole new dimension, a society in harmony with nature, where decisions are made collectively, and where wealth is shared equitably to prosper without growth.

The world is not the same anymore. We can't encompass the new world, with outdated concepts, theories, and approaches. In the polycrisis lies the possibility of a new and better world and it's our responsibility to image how this new world can look like