Nature-Based Design Frameworks

Objectives

Nature-based approach to Design solutions for a more resilient future aims to support societies address a variety of environmental, social and economic challenges in sustainable ways. This approach relies on actions that are inspired by, supported by or copied from Nature. Nature-based solutions use the features and complex system processes of nature, such as its ability to store carbon and regulate water flow, to achieve desired outcomes, such as reduced disaster risk, improved human well-being and socio-ecological inclusiveness. These nature-based solutions ideally are energy and resource-efficient, and resilient to change, and to be successful they must be adapted to local conditions.
Nature-based Design recognises the importance of Nature and requires a systemic approach to environmental change based on an understanding of the structure and functioning of ecosystems, including human actions, perceptions and their consequences.
Nature-based solutions “sprout” from the premises that some societal challenges stem from human activities that have failed to recognize ecological limitations and the interdependent role of humans as Nature; and that sustainable alternatives to those activities can be found by looking to nature for design inspiration and process knowledge. They therefore involve the innovative application of knowledge about nature, inspired and supported by nature, and they maintain and enhance natural capital and our inter-relationship with the ecosystems we inhabit. They are positive responses to societal challenges, and can have the potential to simultaneously meet environmental, social and economic objectives.
This course will introduce all participants to different Nature-based design frameworks such as Biomimicry, Permaculture, Biophilic Design, Regenerative Design and Resilient Design. Providing many examples of how they are applied, from city farms, to rooftopgardens, to river and watershed regeneration, to educational approaches, to food production and ecosystems and landscape regeneration, within rural and urban contexts.
This course can have a recognition of 6 ECTs for FCUL PhD students enrolling in it as part of their first doctoral year. For FCUL PhD students only requiring 5 ECTs recognized in their specific PhD programmes, 6 hours of the course are not mandatory and the certificate will be on ‘Nature based-design frameworks’.
Minimal formation of students:“Licenciatura” (bachelor) in Biology, Geography or related areas. 

Directed to: PhD or MSc students in Biology, Environmental studies, Geography or related areas, and postdocs and other professionals working in related topics.