The 2025 Regenerative Architecture Index (RAI) is now open for entries. Enter by Friday 16th May.
The Meanwhile Garden, Colchester – Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens, Darryl Moore Design and MATT+FIONA. (Credit: French+Tye)
Launched by Architecture Today and UK Architects Declare, the Regenerative Architecture Index (RAI) benchmarks practices’ progress in the move towards regenerative practice and projects. It recognises the need for a built environment that isn’t merely reducing its negative impacts, but has positive impacts for today and the long term.
Participating practices are invited to explore three key criteria that exemplify regenerative solutions for local and planetary health:
- Being a good ancestor
This is about a shift in practice mindsets to consider truly long-term thinking. Our decisions today should consider seven generations ahead, ensuring adaptability and flexibility for the future. This requires innovative thought, as current models are rarely beneficial in the long term. - Co-evolving with nature
This is about recognising that we are part of nature, within integral living systems, not separate from it. Our work should actively regenerate ecosystems by learning from and working with natural systems. This requires designing for circularity and encouraging closed-loop energy, material and water cycles. - Creating a just space for people
This is about providing social connection, economic opportunity and wellbeing for all. Our design processes should foster a shared sense of stewardship where neighbourhoods can self-organise and build their resilience. This requires ethical, inclusive and participative approaches.
In 2024, we celebrated the launch of the inaugural RAI at the Bottle Factory in southeast London with launch sponsors Interface and special guest Brian Eno. Read the write-up of the event, which includes Eno in conversation with Michael Pawlyn, here.
