design research

As a response to the complexity of today’s global challenges, such as climate breakdown and biodiversity loss, a more regenerative approach is increasingly being put forward.

Regeneration implies enhancing an ecosystem, and leaving it better than it was. It’s an approach that puts life – human life, the planet, and everything it sustains – at the center of every action and decision.

My Master’s thesis design research is aimed at exploring what the role of a designer can be in regenerating (eco)systems. This poses a great challenge, but at the same time a unique opportunity, for designers to look for ways to encourage life to thrive.

The case chosen for this research, is the PFASsite in Zwijndrecht. During construction works in Antwerp, high concentrations of the chemical PFOS were found in the soil on the site, in early 2021.

The choice of this particular case, was inspired by ‘Fytolutions’. This company is, in its own words, ‘taking responsibility for seeking and working out a sustainable and definitive solution in Zwijndrecht’.

Fytolutions is researching hemp’s ability to absorb PFAS from the soil. When plants take water and nutrients from the soil, certain plants also suck up pollutants with their roots, which they dispose of in this way. At harvest time, the pollution therefore partly ‘disappears’.

The non-contaminated parts of the hemp are used as material for products. This way, a revenue model is also linked to the crop, giving farmers enough reason to plant it.

Regeneration implies looking at the complex issues we, as a society, are faced with today, through the lens of potential.

So is this an example of a regenerative business?

The research will evaluate the alignment of the case with the established theory on regenerative desin. Potential opportunities that arise from this research will serve as a basis for developing regenerative interventions for the case.

Systemic Design

The research defined systems thinking and a deep understanding of place and culture as the overaching principles of regenerative design.

To satisfy those principles within my own research, a systemic design methodology was used to truly understand the dynamics within the system and define the leverage points on which to intervene.

A total of 14 interviews were conducted with as many types of stakeholders as possible; including the director of 3M, the CEO of Fytolutions, local farmers, journalists, etc.

booklet.

The research findings were translated into a booklet, making the content quicker and more fun to grasp. The booklet is aimed at giving designers an introduction to regeneration, as well to hopefully inspire them to get involved themselves.

The research made clear that the question should not be how design can regenerate our environment, but rather on how design can enable regeneration. Listed below are the ways in which this can be achieved that became evident through the study.

Conclusions

Shift The Mindset

“As designers, we can play a key role in alligning society’s short-term issues with the long-term needs of the environment.”

Cherish Interdependence

Commit to a new paradigm instead of to an incremental improvement of the old.

01

Move Beyond Design

Designers should tap into knowledge of local stakeholders and foster transdisciplinary collaborations.

03

The vitality of (eco)systems depends on the relationships between all the actors in play.

02

Regenerate The Community

A design process can nurture interconnected benefits to strengthen the social fabric and enhance the local community.

04