Life-Centered Design: A Paradigm Shift in Architecture & Design
In an era where sustainability is no longer optional but essential, the concept of Life-Centered Design is emerging as a game-changer in architecture and design. This innovative approach, championed by industry leaders like Interface and supported by Biomimicry Innovation Lab, is reshaping how we think about creating spaces that benefit all life forms.
What is Life-Centered Design?
Life-Centered Design is a holistic approach that considers the needs of all living things, not just humans, in creating built environments. It's a natural progression from human-centred design, expanding our perspective to include the entire ecosystem in which we exist.
This design philosophy asks us to rethink how we research, plan, and build to create spaces that positively impact people and the planet. It recognises that our world is a complex, interconnected system and that our actions have far-reaching consequences. The publication of Life-Centered Design: Designing a World where all can thrive by Oliver Heath, Victoria Jackson and Rosa Isaacs from Oliver Heath Design with Steve Colling of CREDO Research for Interface.
Key Themes of Life-Centered Design
Designing for All Life Equally
This theme encourages designers to adopt a "we" rather than "me" mindset, acknowledging that humans are part of a broader system of life. It involves considering the needs of other species alongside human requirements.
Designing with Nature
Life-Centered Design ensures that nature is advocated for during the design process. It involves conducting rigorous research and using those insights to make informed decisions that work with, rather than against, our ecosystems.
3. Designing for Connection
This aspect recognizes the human need to connect with society and nature. It encourages designs that facilitate these connections, helping to build empathy, understanding, and well-being.
4. Designing in Collaboration
Life-Centred Design favours a collaborative approach, emphasizing the value of diversity in both professional and societal capacities. It encourages learning from others and sharing resources and knowledge.
The Impact of Life-Centered Design
By adopting Life-Centered Design principles, architects and designers can create spaces that not only meet human needs but also contribute to the health and well-being of our entire ecosystem. This approach can lead to buildings and urban spaces that are more resilient, sustainable, and in harmony with nature.
Richard James MacCowan, founder of Biomimicry Innovation Lab, emphasizes the importance of understanding how living systems use different means involving changes in substance, structure, energy, information, space, and time. This framework, known as the NII Framework, helps designers identify relationships, compromises and trade-offs in living and ecological systems.
As we face increasing environmental challenges, Life-Centered Design offers a promising path forward. It invites us to see ourselves as part of nature rather than separate from it, and to design accordingly. By embracing this approach, we can create a built environment that truly supports all life on Earth.
Life-Centered Design represents a significant shift in how we approach architecture and design. It challenges us to think beyond human needs and consider the well-being of all life forms. As we grapple with climate change and biodiversity loss, this holistic approach may be the key to creating a more sustainable and harmonious world.
Our founder, Richard James MacCowan contributed to the research of this report.
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