Maibritt Pedersen Zari | Auckland University of Technology (original) (raw)

Papers by Maibritt Pedersen Zari

Built environment professionals must solve urgent and complex problems related to mitigating and ... more Built environment professionals must solve urgent and complex problems related to mitigating and adapting to climate change and biodiversity loss. Cities require redesign and retrofit so they can become complex systems that create rather than diminish ecological and societal health. One way to do this is to strategically design buildings and cities to generate and provide ecosystem services. This is an aspect of biomimicry, where whole ecosystems and their functions are emulated, in order to positively shift the ecological performance of buildings and urban settings. A small number of methodologies and frameworks for ecosystem services design have been proposed, but their use is not wide spread. A key barrier is the lack of translational work between ecology concepts and practical examples of ecosystem services design for a built environment context. In response, this paper presents research underpinning the creation of a qualitative relational diagram in an online interactive format that relates ecosystem services concepts to design strategies, concepts, technologies, and case studies in a format for use by built environment professionals. The paper concludes that buildings and whole cities should be expected to become active contributors to socio-ecological systems because, as the diagram shows, many strategies and technologies to enable this already exist.

Routledge eBooks, Jul 7, 2023

The connection the Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa-New Zealand, have to the land is thre... more The connection the Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa-New Zealand, have to the land is threatened by the effects of colonisation, urbanisation and other factors. In particular, many Māori suffer significant health and wellbeing inequalities compared to the non-Māori population. In an effort to reduce such inequalities, there is a growing consciousness of the need to better understand the cultural and place-specific determinants that affect the health and wellbeing of population groups in different environments. This article explores how environmental and cultural connections to land enable the development of place-specific and culturally-driven principles that promote the health and wellbeing of Māori populations. It argues that concepts of place, belonging, landscape and wellbeing play an important role in linking environment and culture as well as in contributing to creating therapeutic spatial environments that promote both human health and ecosystems. A set of principles is developed that allows for the landscape design of such therapeutic environments while accommodating the socio-cultural and environmental values that promote health and wellbeing of both Māori and non-Māori people.

Human activities that are motivated by economic, cultural, intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual ... more Human activities that are motivated by economic, cultural, intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual goals (1) are now causing environmental and ecological changes of global significance (2). By a variety of mechanisms, these global changes contribute to changing biodiversity, and changing biodiversity feeds back on susceptibility to species invasions (3, purple arrows). Changes in biodiversity, through changes in species traits, can have direct consequences for ecosystem services and, as a result, human economic and social activities (4). In addition, changes in biodiversity can influence ecosystem processes (5). Altered ecosystem processes can thereby influence ecosystem services that benefit humanity (6) and feedback to further alter biodiversity (7, red arrow). Global changes may also directly affect ecosystem processes (8, blue arrows). Depending on the circumstances, the direct effects of global change may be either stronger or weaker than effects mediated by changes in diversity. We argue that the costs of loss of biotic diversity, although traditionally considered to be 'outside the box' of human welfare, must be recognized in our accounting of the costs and benefits of human activities' (Chapin et al., 2000). 14 European OECD countries recording reductions in CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2009 were: Belgium,

IOP conference series, Nov 1, 2022

Land

Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to biodiversity in urban areas. Least-cost pat... more Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to biodiversity in urban areas. Least-cost path analyses are commonly used in ecology to identify and protect wildlife corridors and stepping-stone habitats that minimise the difficulty and risk for species dispersing across human-modified landscapes. However, they are rarely considered or used in the design of urban green infrastructure networks, particularly those that include building-integrated vegetation, such as green walls and green roofs. This study uses Linkage Mapper, an ArcGIS toolbox, to identify the least-cost paths for four native keystone birds (kererū, tūī, korimako, and hihi) in Wellington, New Zealand, to design a network of green roof corridors that ease native bird dispersal. The results identified 27 least-cost paths across the central city that connect existing native forest habitats. Creating 0.7 km2 of green roof corridors along these least-cost paths reduced cost-weighted distances by 8.5–9.3% for the kererū...

Architecture_MPS

Climate change has led to urgent calls for environmental action and justice, which is likely to i... more Climate change has led to urgent calls for environmental action and justice, which is likely to include increased urban vegetation. The benefits of this planting could go beyond ecological and climate benefits to contribute to decolonisation and environmental and spatial justice and build on the well-documented links between ecological and human wellbeing. In Aotearoa New Zealand, past and ongoing injustices resulting from colonisation have disconnected Māori (the Indigenous people) from their land. Māori see themselves reflected in the landscape and te taiao (the natural world). The process of colonisation has mostly erased natural heritage, intrinsic to Māori identity, from urban areas. Many plants in urban areas represent colonial identity rather than this natural heritage, and many of the native plants that have been planted originate from other parts of the country. Through reviewing the literature, this article argues for research that determines the benefits of urban planting...

IOP conference series, Nov 1, 2022

Biomimetics

Many cities are vulnerable to flooding due to their high proportion of impervious surfaces and la... more Many cities are vulnerable to flooding due to their high proportion of impervious surfaces and lack of vegetated land cover. This vulnerability will often be exacerbated by changing rainfall and storm patterns due to climate change. Using the principles of urban biomimicry, this study aims to show an ecosystem service-based approach to designing an urban green infrastructure network for stormwater management in densely built areas that more closely emulates natural hydrology processes. Nature Braid (next-generation LUCI) is an ecosystem services assessment tool that was used to simulate flood mitigation ecosystem services in a 13.7 km2 urban water catchment in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The simulation results revealed that 59% of the catchment does not contain or benefit from flood-mitigating land cover features. Adding 0.6 km2 (4% of the catchment) of green roofs alongside major stormwater flow paths resulted in a nearly three-fold decrease (11%) in the unmitigated flooding ...

Urban Science

The institutional frameworks within which we conceive, design, construct, inhabit and manage our ... more The institutional frameworks within which we conceive, design, construct, inhabit and manage our built environments are widely acknowledged to be key factors contributing to converging ecological crises: climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and social inequity at a global scale. Yet, our ability to respond to these emergencies remains largely circumscribed by educational and professional agendas inherited from 20th-century Western paradigms. As the crises intensify, there is a compelling case for radical change in the educational and professional structures of the built environment disciplines. This paper presents a work-in-progress examination of an emergent architecture programme at Te Wānanga Aronui O Tāmaki Makau Rau/Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Aotearoa New Zealand. The program is within Huri Te Ao/the School of Future Environments, a transdisciplinary entity formed in 2020 to integrate research and teaching across Architecture, Built Enviro...

Buildings

Carbon sequestration (CS) and habitat provisioning (HP) through building-integrated vegetation ar... more Carbon sequestration (CS) and habitat provisioning (HP) through building-integrated vegetation are interlinked approaches that could potentially reduce climate change and biodiversity loss attributed to the built environment. However, a practical approach is required to integrate CS and HP into building design. A two-stage approach was undertaken in this research; firstly, preparing a conceptual framework from an extensive literature review and, secondly, gauging the perspective of building industry experts on that framework through a survey. The survey was designed to determine expert opinion related to establishing the data gathering approaches, progressing to identifying strategies and methods to quantify them, and finally, monitoring performance indicators for achieving CS and HP goals. The results of descriptive analyses performed after data collection indicate a notable difference in opinions between built environment professionals (group A) and environmental scientists and re...

Routledge eBooks, Nov 22, 2022

Nature Climate Change

The expansion of urban environments contributes to climate change and biodiversity loss. Implemen... more The expansion of urban environments contributes to climate change and biodiversity loss. Implementing nature-based strategies to create ‘regenerative living cities’ will be critical for climate change mitigation and adaptation and will produce measurable biodiversity and wellbeing co-benefits.

Land

Urgent biophilia describes the conscious desire of humans to seek interactions with nature during... more Urgent biophilia describes the conscious desire of humans to seek interactions with nature during periods of stress. This study examines the changes in frequency and reason for visiting urban green spaces by residents of Wellington, New Zealand, to determine whether resident behavior during a stressful period exemplifies the principles of urgent biophilia. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns were used as the study period due to the significant physical and mental health stressors they triggered. Pedestrian and cyclist counters located in key urban green spaces in Wellington were used to collect data on visits pre- and post-pandemic. Two surveys were used to assess residents’ reasons for visiting urban green spaces during lockdowns. Increased green space visits were seen during the strictest lockdowns, though there was some variation in visits depending on the location of the green space. The most frequently reported reason for visiting green spaces during lockdown was ment...

The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures, 2022

Regenerative Urban Design and Ecosystem Biomimicry, 2018

Routledge eBooks, Jul 7, 2023

IOP conference series, Nov 1, 2022

Land

Architecture_MPS

IOP conference series, Nov 1, 2022

Biomimetics

Urban Science

Buildings

Routledge eBooks, Nov 22, 2022

Nature Climate Change

Land

The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Urban and Regional Futures, 2022

Regenerative Urban Design and Ecosystem Biomimicry, 2018

The notion of ecology has become central to contemporary design discourse. This reflects contempo... more The notion of ecology has become central to contemporary design discourse. This reflects contemporary concerns for our planet and a new understanding of the primary entanglement of the human species with the rest of the world.

The use of the term ‘ecology’ with design tends to refer to how to integrate ecologies into design and cities and be understood in a biologically-scientific and technical sense. In practice, this scientific-technical knowledge tends to be only loosely employed. The notion of ecology is also often used metaphorically in relation to the social use of space and cities. This book argues that what it calls the ‘biological’ and ‘social’ senses of ecology are both important and require distinctly different types of knowledge and practice. It proposes that science needs to be taken much more seriously in ‘biological ecologies’, and that ‘social ecologies’ can now be understood non-metaphorically as assemblages. Furthermore, this book argues that design practice itself can be understood much more rigorously, productively and relevantly if understood ecologically. The plural term ‘ecologies design’ refers to these three types of ecological design. This book is unique in bringing these three perspectives on ecological design together in one place. It is significant in proposing that a strong sense of ecologies design practice will only follow from the interconnection of these three types of practice.

Ecologies Design brings together leading international experts and relevant case studies in the form of edited research essays, case studies and project work. It provides an overarching critique of current ecologically-oriented approaches and offers evidence and exploration of emerging and effective methods, techniques and concepts. It will be of great interest to academics, professionals and students in the built environment disciplines.

Correct citation: 2017, Petrović, E.K., Vale, B. and Pedersen Zari, M. Materials for a Healthy, E... more Correct citation: 2017, Petrović, E.K., Vale, B. and Pedersen Zari, M. Materials for a Healthy, Ecological and Sustainable Built Environment: Principles for Evaluation. Woodhead Publishing.

Principles for Evaluating Building Materials in Sustainable Construction: Healthy and Sustainable Materials for the Built Environment provides a comprehensive overview of the issues associated with the selection of materials for sustainable construction, proposing a holistic and integrated approach.

The book evaluates the issues involved in choosing materials from an ecosystem services perspective, from the design stage to the impact of materials on the health of building users.

The three main sections of the book discuss building materials in relation to ecosystem services, the implications of materials choice at the design stage, and the impact of materials on building users and their health. The final section focuses on specific case studies that illustrate the richness of solutions that existed before the rise of contemporary construction and that are consistent with a sustainable approach to creating built environments. These are followed by modern examples which apply some, if not all, of the principles discussed in the first three sections of the book.

Ensuring that the built environment becomes more sustainable or perhaps even regenerative, must i... more Ensuring that the built environment becomes more sustainable or perhaps even regenerative, must include careful consideration of which materials to build with. There is no such thing as a " sustainable material " without understanding the context of where and how it is used. It could be useful therefore to incorporate knowledge of ecosystem services into designing, planning, and decision making, which is by necessity site-specific and grounded in the physical ecological reality of the planet. Although this book is about building materials specification, in the case of using ecosystem services as a basis for improving the sustainability of the built environment, it is important to first understand how this concept relates to the wider task of designing buildings and cities before defining in detail how the same ideas can relate to specifying individual materials. A building material can only be considered sustainable (or not) when understood in the context of the design, climate, and culture it is used within over time. It is complex and in some cases currently impossible to quantify the impacts on each different ecosystem service that each kind of building material has, and to then compare or rank which materials are better from an ecosystem service impact perspective. This is due to some information from the fields of ecology or biology not being available, the vast differences in metrics used to examine different ecosystem services, the complexities of a globalized trade in building materials products where manufacturers and retailers often do not know the source or composition of their own products (see Chapter 12), and the inherent complexities in ecosystem services and the relationships between them. Despite this, summaries of some of the major impacts, both positive and negative on ecosystem services that some common building materials have are provided in Section 2.5. These impacts can then be part of considerations when selecting building materials.

Materials for a Healthy, Ecological and Sustainable Built Environment: Principles for Evaluation., 2017

This chapter introduces the concept of ecosystem services in relation to the built environment an... more This chapter introduces the concept of ecosystem services in relation to the built environment and examines materials as parts of whole ecosystems. A ranked list of key places for change in the built environment, along with which ecosystem services should be focused on in a built environment context is presented. The chapter concludes that the potential for profound positive change in terms of ecological impact, and in how built environments and the materials within them are designed, specified, valued, built, and used is apparent, if an understanding of ecosystem services is integrated into built environment design and materials selection.

Encyclopaedia of Energy Engineering and Technology. 2nd Revised Hardcover edition. Taylor and Francis. , Nov 14, 2014

As professionals of the built environment need to solve more urgent and difficult problems relate... more As professionals of the built environment need to solve more urgent and difficult problems related to mitigating the causes of climate change, and must plan for changes to the availability of common energy sources such as fossil fuels, analysing new approaches to conserving and generating energy is becoming more important. It may be useful to examine examples of how similar problems have been solved by other living organisms or ecosystems to see if solutions suitable for a human context can be found. The mimicry of organisms and ecosystems is termed ‘biomimicry’. Biomimicry is the emulation of strategies seen in the living world as a basis for human design. This may include design of urban environments, buildings, objects and materials. It is the mimicry of an organism, an organism’s behaviour, or an entire ecosystem, in terms of forms, materials, construction methods, processes, or functions. After providing a framework for understanding and applying biomimicry to built environment design and engineering, several contemporary examples of biomimetic architecture or technologies relating to energy use and generation are examined.

As professionals of the built environment need to solve more urgent and difficult problems relate... more As professionals of the built environment need to solve more urgent and difficult problems related to mitigating and adapting to climate change, it may be useful to examine examples of how the same problems have been solved by
other living organisms or ecosystems. Looking to plants or animals that are highly adaptable or ones that survive in extreme climates or through climatic changes may provide insights into how buildings could or should function. Examining the qualities of ecosystems that enable them to be adaptable and resilient may also offer potential avenues to follow. This chapter examines therefore whether biomimicry, where organisms or ecosystems are mimicked in human design, can be an effective means to either mitigate the causes of climate change the built environment is responsible for, or to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Different biomimetic approaches to design are discussed and categorized, and a series of case study examples illustrate the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. In light of the conclusions reached during the course of the research, it is argued that design that mimics ecosystems and utilizes synergies between mitigation and adaptation strategies in relation to climate change could be a beneficial long term biomimetic built environment response to climate change. The foundations of the theory to support this are also presented.

In Brebbia, C. (Ed), Sustainable Development IV, WIT Press., 2009

A growing amount of architectural discourse explores analogies between ecosystems and living orga... more A growing amount of architectural discourse explores analogies between ecosystems and living organisms, and architectural design that increases the capacity for regeneration. This is referred to here as bio-inspired design. This paper examines the relationship between biophilic and biomimetic approaches to architectural design as two aspects of bio-inspired design. The theory that bio-inspired design is inherently linked in the creation of regenerative architecture, able to increase capacity for self repair in both living ecosystems and the human psyche is examined. Intersections, or mutualisms between design to improve the wellbeing of ecosystems and design to improve human wellbeing, such as biomimicry and biophilia, are analysed and may illustrate the key aspects of bio-inspired design that could contribute to regenerative design. The implications of such an approach are discussed, and the scientific basis of such a process is investigated.

In Bernhardt, J. (Ed), A Deeper Shade of Green. Auckland, Balasoglou Books., 2008

The definition of cutting edge sustainable architecture is changing rapidly. Aiming for ‘neutral’... more The definition of cutting edge sustainable architecture is changing rapidly. Aiming for ‘neutral’ or ‘zero’ environmental impact buildings in terms of energy, carbon, waste or water are worthwhile targets. It is becoming clear however, that buildings will need to go beyond having little negative environmental impact in the future, to having net positive environmental benefits. The creation of a regenerative built environment than can begin to restore and interact with living ecosystems suggests exciting opportunities for the future of architecture.

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)., 2019

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) established a ... more The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) established a partnership with Pacific island developing States to develop an integrated policy approach for ocean focused
and climate-responsive urban development strategies. Concentrating on urban areas in Pacific island developing States, this guide introduces an approach that has been adapted for island systems and local, national, regional and global development plans. Within the context of ongoing urbanization processes in Pacific island developing States, the guide recognizes the important links between the impacts of urban growth and development, climate change impacts, ocean health and coastal systems, and the effect these factors have on the development and resilience of “Ocean Cities”.

Ocean Cities are where urban landscapes and seascapes meet, where built and natural environments near coastlines interface and where human behaviour and urban development have profound impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Ocean Cities are at the forefront of the climate change consequences, the urbanization challenges and other development pressures. Cities face many challenges – demographic, climatic, economic – but they also generate many positive opportunities for future action. This guide is about making that future a bright one by harnessing those activities and supporting a Pacific Way for cities that is culturally and environmentally affirming.

• Green space is needed in central city areas to provide health and wellbeing benefits for curren... more • Green space is needed in central city areas to provide health and wellbeing benefits for current and future residents, commuters and visitors, and increased amenity, liveability and economic benefits. Green spaces also provide ecosystem and resilience benefits that will help mitigate and adapt the city to climate change and other environmental shocks.
• We report here on a detailed study of the provision of public green space in central Wellington City in relation to current and projected future population levels.
• The study focused on the three Census Area Units (CAU) of central Wellington City. These CAUs contain a total of 41.19 ha of public green space. More than half of the central city’s public green space is located not in City parks and gardens but in road reserves or in other non-council areas, and some is of relatively low quality and poorly accessible.
• The amount of green space per capita in each CAU is highest at 41m2 in Thorndon-Tinakori Road CAU, 23m2 in Lambton CAU, and lowest at 6m2 in Willis St-Cambridge Terrace CAU. There is a very significant lack of greenspace within 300m of the population-weighted centre of the Willis St– Cambridge Terrace CAU.
• Green space amount per capita in central Wellington City declines substantially - by half on average - when projected population growth to 2043 for the three CAUs is considered.
• Increasing the total amount, accessibility and quality of green space in the central city will need to be achieved in order to accommodate future population growth and fulfil a vision of “central city green spaces that enhance community and ecosystem health”.
• A central city green space policy that achieves the maximum possible protection and optimal use of current green space, augmented by purchase of additional land in population growth areas, is most likely to meet the needs of residents and visitors, now and in the future.

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project Implementation Plans, Port Vila, Vanuatu, 2017

Correct citation: PEDERSEN ZARI, M., BLASCHKE, P. M., LIVESEY, C., MARTINEZ-ALMOYNA GUAL, C., WEA... more Correct citation: PEDERSEN ZARI, M., BLASCHKE, P. M., LIVESEY, C., MARTINEZ-ALMOYNA GUAL, C., WEAVER, S., ARCHIE, K. M., JACKSON, B., KOMUGABE-DIXSON, A., LOUBSER, D., MAXWELL, D., RASTANDEH, A. & RENWICK, J. 'Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project Implementation Plans, Port Vila, Vanuatu'. Wellington, New Zealand: Report prepared by Victoria University of Wellington for the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change Programme (PEBACC) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

As part of the process of selecting the proposed EbA projects, an analysis was done of how each project could potentially increase or support the provision of ecosystem services in Port Vila. The following five projects were identified as being of high priority for the Port Vila ridge to reef context in terms of addressing urgent ecological issues and increasing community resilience to vulnerabilities related to climate change and to wider development issues.

1.Riparian corridors regeneration plan
2.Restoration and protection of coastal vegetation
3.Intensification
of suburban and peri-urban village and settlement home gardens 4.Urban trees: The strategic introduction of more multi-use trees and vegetation into built up areas of Port Vila
5.Sustainable housing development

Ecosystem Assessment and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Options for Port Vila, Vanuatu, 2017

Correct citation: BLASCHKE, P. M., PEDERSEN ZARI, M., ARCHIE, K. M., JACKSON, B., KOMUGABE-DIXSON... more Correct citation: BLASCHKE, P. M., PEDERSEN ZARI, M., ARCHIE, K. M., JACKSON, B., KOMUGABE-DIXSON, A., LIVESEY, C., LOUBSER, D., MARTINEZ-ALMOYNA GUAL, C., MAXWELL, D., RASTANDEH, A., RENWICK, J. & WEAVER, S. 2017 'Ecosystem Assessment and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Options for Port Vila, Vanuatu'.
Wellington, New Zealand: Report prepared by Victoria University of Wellington for the Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) Programme of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Port Vila is the capital and largest city of the Melanesian island nation of Vanuatu, and is situated on the southern coast of Efate, the third largest island in Vanuatu. The Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) Project responds to these vulnerability challenges. The five-year Project (implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)) explores and promotes Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) options for adapting to climate change in the Pacific region. EbA is the practice of strengthening ecosystems to increase people’s ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change. It draws upon knowledge of ecosystem services and is based on the premise that if ecosystems are protected, remediated, or regenerated, this leads to healthier ecosystems, more ecosystem services, and therefore greater human wellbeing and resilience to the impacts of climate change. The current study continues the PEBACC project in Vanuatu. It builds on an earlier PEBACC study that undertook a baseline ecosystem and socio-economic resilience analysis and mapping appraisal of the Port Vila Metropolitan area. The methodology approach adopted provided for mainly desk-top review work, supplemented by four key workshops (including one in Port Vila), interviews with Port Vila stakeholders, and brief field inspection in Port Vila.

Report prepared for the Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand Government, Wellington, New Zealand., Mar 2009

This document presents cutting-edge thinking on the future of New Zealand’s built environments an... more This document presents cutting-edge thinking on the future of New Zealand’s built environments and how they can be made socially, financially and environmentally sustainable. It is both inspirational and challenging. The negative environmental impacts of New Zealand’s built environment are immense. The
challenge is to create a built environment that has environmental, social and economic benefits. Our current move to eco-efficiency practices is an important first step towards achieving a short term sustainable built environment, but is not sustainable in the long term.

To stimulate thinking, the Ministry for the Environment (‘the Ministry’) commissioned a study to evaluate four different development approaches and compare these with a business-as-usual approach (defined here as conventional and eco-efficiency). Of these, the regenerative development approach offers the greatest economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for Govt3 organisations, and for New Zealand more generally.

Regenerative development departs from the thinking that the best a building can be is environmentally neutral. In regenerative development, the built environment becomes a conduit for producing resources and energy, improving physical and psychological health, remedying past pollution, and transforming and filtering waste into new resources. It represents a fundamental rethinking of architectural and urban design.

Central and local government is responsible for approximately 30 per cent of all construction in New Zealand. By changing our approach to one focused on long-term sustainability, we have a
great opportunity to make meaningful and tangible changes to the way we plan, design, construct and use New Zealand’s built environment.

Report prepared for the Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand Government, Wellington, New Zealand., Feb 2009

The negative environmental impacts of New Zealand’s built environment are immense. Globally, 40 p... more The negative environmental impacts of New Zealand’s built environment are immense. Globally, 40 per cent of all energy and material resources are used to build and operate buildings, 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from building construction and operation, and 40 per cent of total waste results from construction and demolition activities
(UNEP, 2007). Added to this are additional impacts on land, water and air quality, as well as human health. Current sustainability practices as applied to the built environment, which aim to do ‘less harm’, are insufficient to achieve a sustainable environment. This document presents cutting-edge
thinking about how New Zealand’s built environments can be developed to create a built environment with environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits.

The definition of a sustainable built environment is changing rapidly. While aiming for neutral or reduced environmental impacts in terms of energy, carbon, waste or water are worthwhile targets, it is becoming clear that the built environment must go beyond this. It must have net positive environmental benefits for the living world. This implies that the built environment needs to produce more than it consumes, as well as remedy pollution and damage. It is a departure from the idea that the best the built environment
can be is ‘neutral’ in relation to the living world. Concepts such as regenerative, restorative, cradle-to-cradle (eco-effectiveness) and eco-efficient development are likely to contribute to achieving a sustainable built environment. According to
leading professionals in the field, the goal of such concepts is ecological and community restoration or regeneration, where success is measured by improvements in health and wellbeing
for humans, other living beings, and ecosystems as a whole (Reed, 2006; Kellert, 2004; McDonough, 2002). This requires an expanded notion of what the built environment is and
how it should perform, as well as a better understanding of the relationships between it and living environments.
Proponents of the concept of regenerative development suggest that the required shift to regenerative development cannot be a gradual process of improvements – rather, it will require a fundamental rethinking of architectural and urban design.

Deconstruction and Materials Reuse – an International Overview. CIB Publication 300. Final Report of Task Group 39 on Deconstruction. Edited by Abdol R. Chini, University of Florida., Mar 2005

This paper discusses the state of deconstruction in New Zealand. It outlines specific circumstanc... more This paper discusses the state of deconstruction in New Zealand. It outlines specific circumstances in New Zealand which affect deconstruction and materials reuse. The
paper details techniques, strategies and examples of deconstruction in New Zealand, and provides an overview of legislation, guidelines, governmental bodies and industry
organisations that are associated with construction and demolition as well as waste minimisation in New Zealand.
The key document relating to the potential for wide spread implementation of deconstruction and other materials reuse strategies in New Zealand is the recently published a strategy document ‘The New Zealand Waste Strategy – Towards Zero
Waste and a Sustainable New Zealand 2002, which sets the nation a target of reducing construction and demolition waste going to landfills by 50% of the 2005 figure by 2008. Half of the Territorial Authorities in New Zealand have set themselves the even more ambitious target of zero waste by 2015.

This report is a summary of the ‘State of Deconstruction in New Zealand’ report prepared by Victo... more This report is a summary of the ‘State of Deconstruction in New Zealand’ report prepared by Victoria University’s Centre for Building Performance Research in May 2003.

Humans will need to mitigate the causes of, and adapt to climate change and the loss of biodivers... more Humans will need to mitigate the causes of, and adapt to climate change and the loss of biodiversity, as the now inevitable impacts of these changes become more apparent and demand urgent responses. The built environment cannot solve these issues alone. Because it contributes significantly to these problems however, and because it is the main site of cultural and economic activities, it could potentially make a contribution to addressing these problems.

Typical built environment focused responses to climate change and biodiversity issues are inadequate given the urgency and scale of the predicted impacts. They tend not to take advantage of the interconnected nature of the causes and effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. Aiming for ‘neutral’ environmental impact buildings in terms of energy, carbon, waste or water sets worthwhile and difficult targets. It is becoming clear however, that built environments may need to go beyond having little negative environmental impact in the future, to having positive environmental benefits. Regenerative design could be useful in this regard because it works to mitigate the causes of climate change and ecosystem degradation (and therefore biodiversity loss). Regenerative design ideally increases the health of ecosystems and resilience to change by utilising the mutually reinforcing aspects of mitigation, adaptation and restoration strategies. The goal of the research is to identify whether regenerative design is possible in urban settings, and to determine where key leverage points for system change may be within the built environment.

Regenerative design is in need of further definition and exploration, and lacks quantitative evidence of its potential either by monitoring of built examples, or basic theoretical measurements. Regenerative design literature suggests that mimicking organisms or ecosystems could be an important part of such an approach to design. This is often termed ‘biomimicry’. The concept and practice of biomimicry is also in need of critical investigation for its potential contribution to increased sustainability outcomes. Different kinds of biomimicry exist in terms of type, underlying motivation, and environmental performance outcomes. The thesis examines current understandings of ecological systems in relation to the built environment, and aims to define an ecosystem biomimetic theory for the practical application of regenerative design in urban environments. In order to do this, ecosystem services are examined and potential key ecosystem services that are applicable to a built environment context are identified. The research primarily investigates one area of human knowledge (ecology and biology) for its transferable applicability to another (the urban built environment). Finally, the research determines how such theory could be practically applied to urban and architectural design and tests this through conducting a case study of an existing urban environment.

It is posited that the incorporation of an understanding of the living world into architectural and urban design may be a step towards the creation of a built environment that is more sustainable or potentially regenerative, and one where the potential for restoration of natural carbon cycles is increased. Practical examples of this are given in chapter five. The outcome of such an endeavour depends on the wider context that the built environment is situated in, including the time left for action to be taken before the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss become extreme, and the inability of the dominant global financial system to allow rapid and widespread action to occur that effectively addresses these issues.

Zero Energy Mass Custom Home (ZEMCH) International Conference, Melbourne, Australia. , 2018

More than half of all humanity live in urban centres, and people generally spend 80% of time indo... more More than half of all humanity live in urban centres, and people generally spend 80% of time indoors. This means that people are spending less time outside and in places that can be considered 'nature'. This is problematic, because quantitative and qualitative research shows that isolation from the natural world negatively affects human wellbeing and cognitive performance, suggesting that it is essential that nature is a constant part of humans' lives. This 'nature deficit' also impacts the development of personal bonds with nature which relates to learning to value and protect nature, and particularly affects young children. As children grow up in environments increasingly removed from nature, how will children form personal bonds with the living world if they spend their key developmental years removed from it? To address this question, this primarily design-led research focuses on primary school learning environment design and explores how spatial design can encourage a connection between child and nature. This paper discusses the results of a pilot study workshop held with children aged 5-7 exploring their preferences and opinions about nature, learning environments and play. These results are discussed in relation to how they could be applied to learning environment design to create a space which appeals directly to young children and encourages them to experience and interact with nature. Sustainability, particularly in the realm of built environment design, and within a 'strong model' of sustainability, can be understood as being made up of nested interrelationships between ecology and climate; a sense of social wellbeing within wider ecological settings; and economic issues contained within a social sphere. This paper concludes that biophilic design focused on the psychological wellbeing and development of children can add to both social sustainability agendas, as well as the wider aspects of ecological sustainability.

Revisiting the Role of Architecture for 'Surviving’ Development. 53rd International Conference of the Architectural Science Association , 2019

Architecture can play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity loss in u... more Architecture can play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity loss in urban environments. With predicted urban population increase and a subsequent need for more housing, how buildings and infrastructure is designed will have a direct impact on surrounding ecosystems and biodiversity. Therefore, the built environment design should include careful consideration of how to actively integrate with and regenerate ecosystem services and biodiversity. Through emulating ecosystems and their functions using an ecosystem services framework, and through incorporating biophilic design principles, a regenerative design practice may emerge that positively impacts socio-ecological systems from a health and wellbeing perspective. This research explores this proposition through a design-led research methodology, combining ecological and environmental-psychology knowledge into architectural design practice. The outcomes range from neighbourhood scales through to architectural, and focus on retrofit and new build design. Wellington, New Zealand is the site of the design research. New Zealand’s biodiversity is unique, having evolved free from most land-based mammals before humans introduced non-indigenous species. The research concludes that through an ecosystem services and biophilic design framework, architecture can have a positive roles in ecosystems, from both a technical perspective and as an influencer of user behaviour.

ASA Conference, 2020

Tools that spatially model ecosystem services offer the opportunity to include ecological values ... more Tools that spatially model ecosystem services offer the opportunity to include ecological values into regenerative urban design practices. However, few of these tools are suitable for assessing ecosystem services in cities, meaning their application by urban designers and architects is potentially limited. This research reviews and compares a diverse range of ecosystem services assessment tools to find those that are most suited for the urban context of Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific Oceania islands. The tool classification includes essential aspects of project management such as type of input and output data, time commitment, and necessary skills required. The strengths and limitations of the most relevant tools are further discussed alongside illustrative case studies, some collected from literature and one conducted as part of the research in Wellington, Aotearoa. A major finding of the research is that from the 95 tools reviewed, 4 are judged to be relevant for urban design projects. These are modelling tools that allow spatially explicit visualisation of biophysical quantification of ecosystem services. The ecosystem services assessed vary among tools and the outputs' reliability often depends on the user's technical expertise. The provided recommendations support urban designers and architects to choose the tool that best suits their regenerative design project requirements.

ASA Conference, 2020

The expansion of the built environment is a significant driver of climate change and the loss of ... more The expansion of the built environment is a significant driver of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Subsequently, ecosystem services required for the basic survival of humans are often reduced or removed altogether in many urban contexts. There are numerous building rating tools that are used to conduct building assessments in order to reduce impacts through building design and innovation. This study explores the potential relationships (synergies and trade-offs) between carbon sequestration and habitat provision in building design, and how these can be implemented as an important part of building rating systems. This paper presents a comparative analysis of three building rating tools identifying how they take the provision of habitat and the sequestration of carbon into account during building assessment. Results demonstrate that the building rating systems tend to aim for minimisation of carbon emissions rather than sequestering of carbon from the environment. The only exception to this is the Living Building Challenge. Furthermore, habitat provision is seldom assessed in great detail. The paper concludes by proposing a number of strategies for habitat provision that foster or relate to carbon sequestration in the context of building design.

Ecocity World Summit. Melbourne, Australia., 2017

It has been well established that biodiversity plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring the qualit... more It has been well established that biodiversity plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring the quality of human life through supporting ecosystem functions and services. As more and more people prefer to live in cities worldwide, biodiversity loss in urban environments is being increasingly reported more than ever before. This, in turn, may have a negative influence on the quality of human life in an urbanising world. Global research shows that the abundance and richness of fauna in urban environments depends, to a large extent, on the spatial patterning of different patches of urban vegetation such as urban forests, woodlands, parks, and gardens. The principal aim of the research is to provide a coherent picture of the importance of spatial patterning and spatial ecology of wildlife species in urban environments. Based upon empirical data from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, the research involves a systematic review of international peer-reviewed publications relating to the connection between biodiversity and the composition and configuration of urban wildlife habitats. This review reveals the most important components of landscape pattern that contribute to the abundance and richness of urban wildlife species. Ultimately, the results provide a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of spatial dimensions of landscape planning and management, in support of biodiversity conservation in landscapes that have already been widely affected by anthropogenic development. Importantly, the findings provide a set of spatially-explicit recommendations that can be strategically applied in urban landscape architecture and land use planning disciplines to help ensure that urban biodiversity is maintained in an era of climate change and rapid urbanisation.

Conference: Cities, Communities and Homes: Is the Urban Future Livable? Derby, United Kingdom., 2017

AMPS Conference: Cities, Communities and Homes: Is the Urban Future Livable? Derby, United Kingdom., 2017

Most of humanity now resides in cities. The proportion of people living in cities is swiftly risi... more Most of humanity now resides in cities. The proportion of people living in cities is swiftly rising and by 2050 more than two thirds of all humans will be urbanites. The city therefore must be a vehicle for rapid change as society collectively grapples with changes in climate, declines in ecosystem service provision, and changes in human wellbeing indicators worldwide. This is particularly true in cities in lower to middle income countries, where urbanisation is most rapid. A vital question for the coming decades therefore is: how can cities contribute to rather than deplete the health of people, and the wider ecosystems and climate that cities are parts of? Most approaches tend to employ top-down or government-led methods and strategies, despite evidence being clear that the role of individual human behaviour change, and engaged active citizenship is often paramount to lasting urban sustainability solutions. This research examines two examples of effective citizen initiated change in Havana, Cuba, that over medium terms, have led to demonstrable ecological and social benefits. One details an effort to galvanise citizen led protection of urban trees, while the other relates to the greening of a suburb to enhance community engagement in urban food production. The social conditions leading to these projects and the impacts of them are discussed. The case study findings lead to a set of strategies for urban and architectural professionals to consider, and demonstrate that the influence of one individual can be significant in creating change in broader communities.

8th International Conference and Exhibition of the Association of Architecture Schools of Australasia, Christchurch, New Zealand., 2015

Since the 1970s more than half of the Tokelau population has relocated to New Zealand due to limi... more Since the 1970s more than half of the Tokelau population has relocated to New Zealand due to limited natural resources and overcrowding of the 10 km2 land area. This raises issues related to the cultural identity and wellbeing of Tokelau people in New Zealand. Local Tokelau community groups in the Wellington region seek to maintain their cultural traditions through the development of community centres. However, these facilities are expensive to purchase, build and to maintain, and have the potential to overburden the Tokelau community, which has a very high portion of low-income people. This paper discusses a series of initiatives the School of Architecture at Victoria University of Wellington has initiated in relationship with Te Umiumiga a Tokelau Hutt Valley community to assist the development of a sustainable cultural community centre complex. It elaborates upon the processes of empowerment and on-going developments that have resulting in significant benefits for the community, students and staff alike. Ways that the university can work as a mediator between institutions such as museums, local city councils, funding organisations and disadvantaged/underprivileged communities are explored. A key finding of the collaboration showed that mediation goes both ways and that there is both a process of giving and receiving in such a relationship that facilitates a blurring of boundaries between ‘expert’ and ‘lay’ knowledge. Through various avenues, students have been empowered to engage directly with the community, enabling the redesign of the Youth Centre, construction of furniture, exploration of alternative energy sources, community garden initiatives, and looking at landscape as a resilient resource. Empowering outcomes for the community have extended well beyond arts and craft demonstrations to encompass anti-violence campaigning, new parent campaigns, the celebration of children's books in the Tokelau language, youth talent competitions, and elder games. By participating in the learning community, students and faculty developed critical and creative skill and worked together for more complex understandings of the world.

Back to the future: The next 50 years, 51st International Conference of the Architectural Science Association 2017, pp. 1–10. ©2017, M.A. Schnabel (eds.), The Architectural Science Association and Victoria University of Wellington., 2017

Despite clear benefits of maintaining human relationships with nature, people increasingly live i... more Despite clear benefits of maintaining human relationships with nature, people increasingly live in urban settings and spend high proportions of time indoors. Both of these trends are increasing globally. This means it is vital to ensure that future cities are designed, created and managed to enable meaningful human / nature connections. Cities that are examples of urban environments where human / nature relationships are innately encouraged and are part of residents' daily experiences have been termed 'biophilic cities'. Wellington, New Zealand is one of a select few cities internationally that has been identified as a biophilic city. In order to test the validity of that claim, this research set out to use GIS mapping to determine specific areas, sites and buildings that could be identified as being biophilic within Wellington. In order to do this, a unique biophilic cities framework was devised where 30 unique characteristics of biophilic cities were identified and used to map Wellington. Results from this mapping research are examined. Key findings include that when several identified aspects of biophilic design are nearby in urban settings, experiencing these through time while moving through a city enhances the positive effects of these elements.

Sustainable Building Conference (SB10), Edited by: Easton, L., & Sharman, W., Wellington, SB10., 2010

This paper explores the concept of a living systems approach to the built environment through the... more This paper explores the concept of a living systems approach to the built environment through the adoption of strategies such as regenerative development and eco-effectiveness. The research examines the differences and connections between these new concepts of sustainable architecture and design, compares these to current typical design approaches, and evaluates their effectiveness as a means to contribute to future development over the short, medium and long terms. Benefits and difficulties with each approach are elaborated upon, and a series of recommendations are made for future design, development, planning and policy directions, using New Zealand as an example case. The paper concludes that focusing on a goal of ecological and community regeneration, where success is measured by improvements in health and wellbeing for humans, other living beings and ecosystems, could contribute to a more resilient built environment which is better able to adapt to the pressures of peak oil, climate change and economic change.

World Sustainable Building Conference. Melbourne, Australia., 2008

International research suggests that the built environment may be responsible for at least a thir... more International research suggests that the built environment may be responsible for at least a third of global green house gas (GHG) emissions and that measures should be implemented to mitigate these. It is also the built environment, as the principle habitat of humans that will need to adapt to climate change impacts to keep people comfortable and safe. Architects and designers may need to explore new ideas that are reflective of a shift in both climate and in expectations of the built environment. This paper explores the potential of biomimicry, where organisms or ecosystems are mimicked in human design. The question is posed: in what way is mimicking the living world useful in the design of buildings that are able to either mitigate green house gas emissions or adapt to climate change impacts?

This paper investigates two possible options for an architectural biomimetic response to climate change. The
first is integrating biomimetic technologies able to mitigate green house gas emissions into buildings. The second approach is use biomimicry to adapt to the direct impacts of climate change on the built environment. Documented successes and potential benefits and difficulties inherent in such approaches are discussed. As well as a reduced or potentially negative carbon footprint for the built environment, this paper analyses further significant benefits that such an approach may offer. It is posited that the incorporation of an
understanding of the living world into architectural design could be a significant step towards the creation of a built environment that is more sustainable and one where the potential for positive integration with and restoration of natural carbon cycles is increased.

World Sustainable Building Conference. Melbourne, Australia., 2008

International research suggests that the built environment may be responsible for approximately a... more International research suggests that the built environment may be responsible for approximately a third of global carbon emissions. It is therefore particularly appropriate that Victoria University’s Faculty of Architecture and Design, in Wellington, New Zealand has taken the significant step of becoming the
Southern Hemisphere’s first carbon neutral campus, and the world’s first carbon neutral Faculty of Architecture and Design. This is part of the Faculty’s long term commitment to sustainability in the built environment and is consistent with a growing international movement calling for Architecture Schools to be carbon neutral by 2010.

The process and opportunities that enabled the Faculty to become carbon neutral in May 2008 are outlined, including the preparation of a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, an emissions reduction and management plan and the audit and accreditation process. The successes and difficulties inherent in the approach taken are examined.

As well as reduced environmental impact, this paper analyses further significant anticipated benefits of the Faculty of Architecture and Design’s carbon neutral status, including opportunities to publish research and enhance the reputation of the Faculty and the significant opportunities arising for the development of new teaching tools and methods. Involvement and participation by students in reduction plans and the facilitation of a forum for debate and discussion about the future of carbon trading markets are also elaborated on.
It is anticipated that the process undertaken by Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Architecture and
Design could be used as an example by other educational institutions moving towards becoming carbon neutral. It is posited that reducing and offsetting carbon emissions in academic institutions, particularly those responsible for the education of new generations of built environment professionals, could become an important part of the creation of a built environment that is better able to address mitigating the causes of climate change.

Lisbon Sustainable Building Conference 07, Lisbon, Portugal., 2007

Biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, has attra... more Biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, has attracted considerable interest in the fields of architectural design and engineering,
as an innovative new design approach and importantly as a potential way to shift the built environment to a more sustainable paradigm. The practical and comprehensive application of biomimicry as a design methodology and
benchmarking tool, particularly in the built environment, remains elusive. One reason identified for this is the lack of a comprehensive and rigorous general theory of biomimicry that could be applied to the architectural design process and its outcomes over entire building lifecycles. This paper attempts to clarify various approaches to biomimicry and provides a set of principles that could form the basis of an ecosystem based biomimicry. It is posited that such an approach could become a vehicle for creating a built environment that goes beyond simply sustaining current conditions to a restorative practice where the built environment becomes a vital component
in the integration with and regeneration of natural ecosystems as the wider human habitat.

Sustainable Building Conference (SB07), Auckland, New Zealand, 2007

Biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, is a grow... more Biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, is a growing area of
research in the fields of architecture and engineering. This is due to both the fact that it is an inspirational
source of possible new innovation and because of the potential it offers as a way to create a more sustainable
and even regenerative built environment. The widespread and practical application of biomimicry as a design
method remains however largely unrealised. A growing body of international research identifies various
obstacles to the employment of biomimicry as an architectural design method. One barrier of particular note
is the lack of a clear definition of the various approaches to biomimicry that designers can initially employ.

Through a comparative literature review, and an examination of existing biomimetic technologies, this paper
elaborates on distinct approaches to biomimetic design that have evolved. A framework for understanding
the various forms of biomimicry has been developed, and is used to discuss the distinct advantages and disadvantages inherent in each as a design methodology. It is shown that these varied approaches may lead to different outcomes in terms of overall sustainability or regenerative potential.
It is posited that a biomimetic approach to architectural design that incorporates an understanding of ecosystems could become a vehicle for creating a built environment that goes beyond simply sustaining current conditions to a restorative practice where the built environment becomes a vital component in the integration with and regeneration of natural ecosystems.

Society for Experimental Mechanics Conference, Massachusetts, USA, Jun 2007

We are facing increasingly complex and far-reaching environmental challenges. In addition to solv... more We are facing increasingly complex and far-reaching environmental challenges. In addition to solving specific
problems, designers are being called upon to consider how their solutions affect the long-term viability of environmental, social and economic systems. Individual designers often lack the skills, experience and knowledge to effectively deal with issues such as the implications of specific materials and manufacturing processes, how products and services are used, and the impact of final disposal. Increasingly, complex problems required an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach. At the same time, research and design disciplines are
trending towards ever greater specialization, which can inhibit communication and collaboration amongst professionals.
Many students entering design faculties are seeking information relating to environmental issues and sustainability. A number of courses have successfully incorporated concepts from biology as a way of explaining engineering concepts. Students seem to be excited about the freshness of this approach as well as their accompanying improvement in their ability to relate their field of study to current events. Educators could benefit from tools that help them organize and communicate information about natural systems, in a way that is relevant to their specific disciplines.

This paper will describe a project to develop a ‘pattern language’ based on knowledge about ecosystems as well
as robust human designs. Alexander [1, 2] developed the concept of ‘pattern languages’ in the late 1970s as a
means of capturing and communicating recurrent problems and solutions in architecture. Successful pattern languages can provide a framework that structures information so that practitioners can gain a deeper insight into specific problems and explore innovative solutions. By using terminology that is not discipline-specific, pattern languages have the potential to facilitate interdisciplinary communication and simplify the transfer of knowledge between diverse fields, such as biology and engineering. Pattern languages also contain information about how problems and solutions relate to each other. By helping practitioners explore issues at different levels and scales, pattern languages can encourage thinking at the system and component levels.

The field of biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for desi... more The field of biomimicry, where flora, fauna or entire ecosystems are emulated as a basis for design, has attracted worldwide interest in the fields of architecture and engineering. This is due to both the fact that it is an inspirational source of possible new innovation and because of the potential it offers as a way to create a more sustainable built environment. The widespread and practical application of biomimicry as a design method remains however largely elusive.

Rethinking Sustainable Construction ’06 Conference', Sarasota, Florida, USA., Apr 2006

Any paradigm for next generation of green buildings must include user well-being and satisfaction... more Any paradigm for next generation of green buildings must include user well-being and satisfaction as primary tenets. This is not easy to achieve, but unless we do incorporate these parameters, built outcomes are unlikely to be sustainable, even if they are resource efficient. This paper defines well-being as a holistic physical, psychological and metaphysical phenomenon,
describes the benefits of well-being design and discusses the elements that are considered to be most influential in enhancing user’s holistic physiological and psychological well-being. It presents an overview of scientific research currently being undertaken in this area. Such research while in its infancy tends to validate the current intuitive design stance taken by many successful architects relative to designing for well-being and suggests that we could beneficially incorporate many of these well-being connected ideas into paradigm for next generation green buildings. It is concluded that if integrated with sustainable technologies, well-being enhancement factors can work synergistically, in our building designs, to enhance user happiness and satisfaction, improve user productivity, health, morale and vitality and are likely to make resource efficient architecture much more appealing to a wide constituency of building users than is currently the case. A more tentative assertion is that architecture that enhances people’s feeling of well-being could be an agent for positive change in relation to work ethics and values, community spirit and interpersonal relationships. If we can create places where people want to be, that delight, stimulate, rejuvenate, are in harmony with the environment and resource efficient, then we will have succeeded in creating a truly sustainable architecture.

Proceedings Deconstruction and Materials Reuse Conference, Gainsville, Florida, USA, Apr 2003

The New Zealand Government has recently published a strategy document which sets the nation a tar... more The New Zealand Government has recently published a strategy document which sets the nation a target of reducing construction and demolition waste going to landfills by 50% of the 2005 figure by 2008. Half of the Territorial Authorities in New Zealand have set themselves the even more ambitious target of zero waste by 2015. This paper discusses the ways in which deconstruction and materials reuse could contribute
to achieving these targets, outlines the general and New Zealand specific barriers to realising such targets and discusses ways in which these barriers might by overcome in the New
Zealand context.

Mimicking the shapes and materials of nature typifies the emerging field of living building desig... more Mimicking the shapes and materials of nature typifies the emerging field of living building design. Although requiring a rethink of traditional design, it could deliver buildings more sympathetic to people and the environment.

BUILD, Vol. 115. Pages 68-69., Jan 2010

Although environmentally sustainable design options are becoming more common in new buildings, tr... more Although environmentally sustainable design options are becoming more common in new buildings, true sustainability in the longer term may involve a big rethink in
design approach.

BUILD, Vol. 102. Pages 90-91., Nov 2007

Attending a Biomimicry and Design course in Costa Rica and completing a research trip to North Am... more Attending a Biomimicry and Design course in Costa Rica and completing a research trip to North America in April this year, provided exciting opportunities to explore the potential of biomimicry as a design process.

Proceedings of the TensiNet Symposium, Milan, 2019

Redesigning and retrofitting cities so they become complex systems that create ecological and soc... more Redesigning and retrofitting cities so they become complex systems that create ecological and societal health through the provision of ecosystem services is of critical importance. This is due to two key reasons. Firstly, it is well known that cities have a large negative ecological impact, and secondly, the human population is rapidly growing and is now mostly urbanised. As professionals of the built environment are required to solve more urgent and complex problems related to ongoing climate change, and biodiversity loss, it may be useful to examine examples of how the same problems have been solved by other living organisms or ecosystems. This can be termed biomimicry. Biomimicry that emulates whole ecosystems, particularly the function of ecosystems, has been identified as having more potential to positively shift the ecological performance of buildings and urban settings. In this regard the ecosystem services concept is useful. Although a small number of methodologies and frameworks for considering how to design urban environments so that they emulate and provide ecosystem services have been proposed, their use is not wide spread. A key barrier has been identified as a lack of translation of the concept of ecosystem services design into practical examples of design strategies, concepts, and technologies, and case study precedents illustrating the concepts. In response, this Proceedings of the TensiNet Symposium 2019 Softening the habitats. Sustainable Innovation in Minimal Mass Structures and Lightweight Architectures ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2 paper presents research seeking to create a qualitative complex map in an online interactive format that relates the ecosystem services concept to design strategies and case studies in a comprehendible format for use by designers and built environment professionals. The paper concludes that buildings, and indeed whole cities should be expected to become active contributors to eco-sociological systems, rather than remaining unresponsive agents of ecosystem degeneration, and that the strategies and technologies to enable this already exist.