About
HOW DO WE DO IT?
The A/RV architecture firm embraces a design approach based on regenerative principles, where architecture is conceived not only as the creation of physical structures, but as a vehicle to promote resilience, social equity, and sustainability in communities. This approach responds to the pressing need to transform the way we inhabit and use our environment, especially in a global context marked by environmental and social crises.
Regeneration goes beyond sustainability, implying a revitalization process that seeks to restore and strengthen the ecological and social systems that surround us. In the contemporary world, where environmental degradation and social inequality are imminent challenges, architecture must take on a proactive role. Regenerative design promotes the idea that architectural projects should contribute to the health of the natural and social environment, creating spaces that not only minimize negative impact, but also generate tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.
The regenerative projects that A/RV implements are designed to address specific local issues, such as the shortage of affordable housing, the degradation of public spaces and the lack of social cohesion. This approach relies on close collaboration with residents and other key stakeholders, ensuring that interventions are relevant and aligned with community aspirations. Through a participatory process, A/RV fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among residents, who become co-creators of their environment.
This working model allows A/RV not only to offer architectural solutions, but also to strengthen the social fabric of communities. Regeneration becomes a community process where each project acts as a catalyst for social change, promoting cohesion and local identity.
The principles proposed by Bill Reed in the context of regenerative design are fundamental to the A/RV philosophy. Reed argues that architecture should be conceived holistically, considering the interrelationships between the different elements of the built environment. This comprehensive approach allows architects to identify synergies that enhance the various functions of a space, promoting solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also enrich the user experience.
Function, Being and Will
The concepts of function, being, and will are essential to A/R practice. Function refers to how spaces are used and how they serve the needs of the community; the user experience in those spaces is central to the design, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that foster mental health and well-being. Finally, will represents the collective desire to improve the environment, which implies an engagement by the inhabitants in the design and construction process. Together, these dimensions create a framework that guides the design process toward solutions that are practical, meaningful, and desired.
Image courtesy of Taller 13
The integration of the five capitals—natural, human, social, financial, and manufactured—is crucial in the practice of A/RV. Each of these capitals provides a unique perspective on the context of a place:
Natural Capital: Refers to the ecological resources that sustain life, such as water, air and biodiversity. A/RV seeks to incorporate design principles that promote the conservation and restoration of natural capital, integrating sustainable solutions that respect and enhance the environment.
Human Capital: This involves the skills, knowledge and abilities of individuals. A/RV promotes the training and education of residents as part of the design process, ensuring that projects empower communities and develop their capacity for self-management.
Social Capital: This capital reflects the networks of relationships between people. A/RV seeks to foster social cohesion by designing spaces that facilitate interaction and dialogue between community members, thereby strengthening the social fabric.
Financial Capital: This encompasses the economic resources available for development. A/RV strives to design projects that are financially viable and generate economic benefits for the community, promoting local development and equity.
Manufactured Capital: Includes infrastructure and built assets. A/RV is committed to creating built environments that are functional and responsive to community needs, ensuring these spaces are accessible and of quality.
Architecture should not be seen as isolated objects, but as part of a larger ecosystem. Each A/RV project is conceived as a device that contributes to the regeneration of surrounding communities, fostering meaningful relationships between people and their environment. This relational approach allows A/RV to create spaces that not only fulfil specific functions, but also act as catalysts for social and environmental change.
A/RV’s work reflects a deep commitment to regenerating and developing healthier, more resilient and connected communities. By integrating regenerative design principles and considering the five capitals, A/RV transforms architectural practice into a collaborative and holistic process that promotes the integral well-being of communities and the environment that sustains them. In a world where challenges are increasingly complex, architecture has the potential to be an agent of positive change, contributing to the creation of a more equitable and sustainable future.