Nothing, not even Mountains and Oceans, Can Separate People with Shared Goals and Vision

During the May Day holiday in 2024, WildBound, in collaboration with Architecture 2030, Mykunta, and Libo Konka Eco Community, held the first session of the FUTURE+ Regenerative Design International Workshop.

The journey began in Tieniu Village, where our daily morning tea energized us , fueling each day with vitality. We studied regenerative design at the Choumei Living Pavilion, visited the Agan Orchard, practiced Zen in the fields, and explored, perceived, and listened to the land with our companions. We traveled to Luding and Haizi Village, gently embraced by the surrounding mountains, where we meditated quietly under seven trees. At the campsite in the Libo Konka Eco Community, we set up our tents and enjoyed a starry sky that unfolded like a painting. The first rays of sunlight illuminating the snow-capped peaks, combined with the breathtaking brilliance of the golden mountains, left us in awe.

This journey reinforced our belief that true harmony stems from understanding and wisdom about nature and pursuing our authentic selves. Inspired by nature, we witnessed the diversity and power of life, as well as the deep connection between individuals and their environment. We drew strength from nature, found warmth in mutual support, and saw the path forward through regenerative design. With the wisdom gained and the connections established during this experience, we are confident that we can face challenges together and create a more beautiful and sustainable world. In this future, life will flourish and thrive.

Facing the Breakdown of Human Triple Relationships: Rebuilding Connections Through Six Days and Five Nights of Regenerative Design

Deep Learning and Practice of Regenerative Design

The seven principles of regenerative design and application case studies taught by mentor Bill Reed (founding board member of the U.S. Green Building Council and co-founder of the LEED green building rating system) were pivotal in shifting our thinking. This approach is not just about buildings but also about a lifestyle—our commitment to the environment and the future. Buildings should not merely consist of cold steel and concrete but should instead resemble living organisms that breathe, grow, and integrate with nature, drawing strength from it.

Regenerative design is not just about conserving and utilizing resources but deeply understanding and respecting living systems. This design approach emphasizes holism, requiring designers to view problems from a systemic perspective, integrating various elements with the environment to create an organic, dynamic whole.

Bill emphasized that the true power of regenerative design lies in its potential-oriented approach. Designers should start from the system’s latent possibilities, uncovering and releasing the growth potential within. This method focuses not just on solving problems but on how to stimulate the system’s inherent vitality, enabling it to continually renew and evolve. Bill encourages participants to remain humble in their designs, building relationships of trust and collaboration with nature and others. Through such collaboration, designers and stakeholders work together to drive the ongoing evolution and growth of projects. In this process, designers are not only creators but also collaborators within the life system, aiming to enhance the overall vitality of the system and make each design project a positive contribution to the environment and society.

The visit to Agan Orchard led by Mr. Shi Guoping (Chief Planner of Mingyue Village and Tieniu Village, and founding partner of Mykunta Architecture Planning and Design in Sichuan) allowed us to deeply experience what it means to coexist with nature. Standing on the platform and looking out over the green fields, we were filled with a profound and simple sense of awe. Farming is not just about cultivating the land but also about gratitude and giving back to nature. Through these experiences, we began to reflect on our own designs and consider how to incorporate such natural wisdom into future buildings, truly achieving harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Rebuilding Connections with Nature and Partners

Nature was the soul of this transformative journey. We reestablished our connection with nature through various ways, rediscovering a long-lost sense of tranquility and strength. Mentor Roberto Fraquelli (an expert in ecological design thinking, holistic design, and professor of ecological design at Schumacher College) guided us to begin with a gaze in the fields, allowing our eyes to become a bridge, reaching deep into our hearts and connecting the most authentic emotions between people. Then, we walked into the rain, letting each raindrop gently fall on our faces, cleansing the dust from our souls and rekindling our sense of closeness to nature.

While meditating under the seven trees, we closed our eyes and listened to the breath from deep within the Earth. In each person’s dedicated two-square-meter space, we lay quietly, feeling the warmth of the sun and the gentle caress of the wind. At that moment, we truly became one with nature. In the process of cyanotype printing, we worked with the sun to imprint nature’s marks onto paper, and also engrave them deeply in our hearts.

In this fast-paced era, relationships between people have become increasingly distant. However, in this workshop, we rediscovered a long-lost warmth and trust. Roberto led us through various exercises designed to open ourselves up and establish deep connections with nature and others, such as the art of invitation, the drawing of the tree and the boy, and the clinking of cocktails, among others.

At the moment of connection, we were no longer strangers but partners walking together. During group sharing, we gathered to share our stories and feelings. Each story was a window into the soul, and through these windows, we glimpsed each other’s worlds and saw the similarities in our struggles and aspirations.

Drawing Inspiration from Unique Contexts

Every place has its own unique story, and these stories often contain profound wisdom. In this workshop, we learned to draw inspiration from these narratives. At the Mykunta Space Station and Exhibition Hall, we witnessed how history and culture have shaped the local architectural styles. Mr. Shi shared the history of Tieniu Village, taking us into the past and present of the village. Through these experiences, we realized that regenerative design is not just a technical issue but also a cultural and social one. Only by deeply understanding the unique context of each place and respecting its history and culture can we design truly sustainable buildings that meet local needs.

Exploring Future Possibilities

Future architecture embodies humanity’s aspiration for a better life. The design challenge encouraged us to think about the future from a completely new perspective. We understood that every brick and tile of the future demands more responsible design principles. In the design challenge, we were divided into the Snow Mountain Group, the Seven Trees Group, and the Tea Room Group, listening to the inspirations of nature as our client and responding to the land’s invitation. Each group worked diligently to find solutions, integrating the principles of regenerative design into reality. Through discussion, creation, and envisioning, we were not just completing a task but paving the way for future architectural possibilities. These designs encapsulate our hopes for the future and our commitment to the Earth.

Nothing, not even mountains and oceans, can separate people with shared goals and vision.The Future is Promising

What are our expectations for the regenerative design practitioner community? What are we willing to contribute? What support can we offer? How do we hope to continue the learning from these days? Participants in this workshop have a variety of expectations.

Continuing the Connection: Sowing Seeds of Hope

After this warm and engaging gathering, everyone is eager to stay in touch and transform this experience into long-term collaboration. Some participants wish to form a flexible working group to serve the world together and invite everyone to visit each other’s communities, continuing to learn and grow through practical projects. This ongoing connection and interaction are like seeds being sown, waiting to take root and flourish in the future.

Practicing Regenerative Design: Rooting Concepts in Everyday Life

“We hope that regenerative design can take root and flourish in China like a seed, sharing the understanding and practice of regeneration from China and Asia with the world in its unique way.” Regenerative design should not remain at the conceptual level; there is a strong desire to integrate it into everyday life. Some participants hope that the principles learned can benefit their hometowns and are willing to offer their time and energy to support project advancement. We look forward to implementing more practices in communities through concrete actions, making regenerative design an integral part of all aspects of life.

What are the current practices or forms of work in regenerative design, and how can one sustain themselves financially while engaging in this field?

Designers in urban settings have less freedom compared to those in rural areas, but more people live in cities, and urban energy consumption is far greater. How can designers in cities strive to achieve regenerative design within various constraints?

How can the talents of FUTURE+ partners continue to support the subsequent construction phases of the Libo project?

How can the tranquility of the two-square-meter space left on-site and the collaborative spirit of the team be better conveyed to future designers and collaborators, ensuring the continuity of design and construction?

The Power of Education: A Shared Path of Nurturing Growth

Education and the transmission of knowledge are crucial forces driving regenerative design. Some participants suggested regularly organizing events to provide iterative educational methods and toolkits to influence more people. By collaborating with experts and continually introducing more learning resources, there is a hope that this education will not only be about imparting knowledge but also about nurturing a path of shared growth.

Building Communities: Collaborating to Create a Sustainable Future

The principles of regenerative design need to flourish in more areas. We hope to support each other in community building through visits, exchange forums, and experiential camps, further advancing the development of regenerative communities. We look forward to collectively spreading the seeds of regenerative design to more places, allowing every field to experience this ongoing force for sustainable development.

From community to local practice models, what resources and opportunities can be combined to jointly promote possible practices? What might the future landscape look like, or could it evolve from a community of exchange into a network of local research and action?

Are there effective mechanisms for our community to continuously influence and grow together? What actionable collaboration mechanisms, whether local or remote, can be implemented to advance regenerative design projects? Perhaps we can co-create our community activities?

Inner Awakening: Rebuilding the Self in Nature

Connection with nature helps people rediscover inner peace and strength. We look forward to awakening inner feelings through profound natural experiences, like a tree, a flower, or a seed, waiting to sprout, take root, grow, and eventually nourish and disappear. We hope this deep awakening will translate into practical action, continuing to practice the principles of regenerative design in future projects.

Everything Ends, Except Love

In this workshop, everyone experienced countless unforgettable moments—sometimes through deep connections with nature, sometimes through the exchange of glances, or during tranquil meditation moments. These experiences not only facilitated inner transformation but also deepened our commitment to the future. Many participants, inspired by this experience, have pledged to integrate the principles of regenerative design into their lives and work. Some are determined to connect more closely with nature, embracing its rhythms and wisdom; others are committed to practicing sustainability in their communities and inspiring more people to make changes. Whether through daily small changes or grand visions, we all know that only through action can we truly sustain the power of regenerative design.

Let’s take a look at the memorable moments written by our participants and the actions and changes they have committed to for the future!

Moments That Left a Lasting Impression

• Helping to clean up litter under the Seven Trees, and viewing the exhibition in the rain.
• Using paper cups to serve cocktails, where everyone sincerely shared what they most wanted to offer, experiencing the charm of genuine communication.
• The early morning tea session on the third day made me realize my own insignificance and prompted me to learn humility.
• The most touching moment for me was on the second day in Tieniu Village, when Dafu took us to see the work they had done over the years. I truly felt how wonderful it is to have so many like-minded friends. Your enthusiasm nurtured me, and I will continue to spread this energy.
• Rolling, oh rolling.
• At dawn, when the sun illuminated the snow-capped mountains, I asked: “Mount Gongga, what do you want to say to me?” I heard it reply: “Child, don’t you know? You should know, because we are one!” I felt struck by this realization. What makes me, me; her, her; and you, you? We are originally one.
• On the first morning in Haizi Village, seeing the snow-capped mountains after the clouds and mist cleared, I couldn’t help but cry, feeling the grandeur and gentleness of nature and hoping that every life is treated with sincerity.
• Rolling and enjoying it.
• Seeing the mountain when opening the tent.
• The full day of co-creation with the Seven Trees team.
• Early mornings and late nights of tea drinking, with the lovely logistics and meal teams, as well as the villagers.
• Camping night chats and the moment of opening the curtain after waking up.
• The most moving experience was in the carefully arranged tea session on the second floor, where I could feel the tranquility of the snow mountains and rain, and the warmth, care, support, and enthusiasm of people working together. Thanks to all the partners I met along the way for the warmth you brought.
• The co-creation of the tea room under the guidance of Professor Shi, Dafu, and Xinyin allowed me to experience the methods and charm of co-creation. It requires wisdom to guide but ultimately achieves the sublimation of thoughts. Professor Shi’s “may all wishes be fulfilled” deeply impressed and moved me.
• The creative process with the Seven Trees team allowed me to experience the joy of “no design,” letting go of habitual thinking, the desire to create something, and releasing passion in the rolling process, “doing before thinking.” My love for the Seven Trees is not about leaving behind something but about making a change.
• Seeing the land scarred and ravaged.
• Being nourished and rinsed under the Seven Trees, and waking up to see the crescent moon climbing to the end of the path.
• The first experience of cyanotype printing, closely observing the changes and overlays of light and shadow, and marveling at everyone’s creativity and observation, deepening my understanding of “locality.”
• Roberto’s first art or story project invited me to a deeper, more meaningful state.
• At just past 6 a.m., as the sun began to shine on the snow-capped mountains, creating a golden peak, while I ran in the muddy vegetable field.
• The villagers left, the fire dies down. We continue to dance.
• No matter how the outside changes, we are looking in the same direction together.
• The shock after seeing the dead piglet lying in the middle of the road, with even the capillaries visible. The sheer cruelty and powerlessness in the face of life and death was like a memento mori.

Actions and Changes We Commit To:

• I will continue to reflect on my experiences with life and my inner journey, transforming my own life. I will try to bring the warmth and tranquility that resonate within me to more people by focusing on life and human development.
• Emphasizing personal regeneration! Eating well, practicing mindfulness, and awareness. The whole and potential.
• I commit to cultivating my heart and influencing my lifestyle. I promise to approach the gifts of nature and local people with greater reverence, and to offer more to others.
• I will set up a 1-square-meter tea room for myself to awaken each morning.
• I commit to learning deep listening, waking up early, going to bed early, practicing meditation, and fostering a co-creation mindset.
• I will live and work with a sense of wholeness, and develop a working method and mindset that better respond to the essence of life. I will stick to early rising and early sleeping, and share my experiences with more people.
• When you truly love someone, all promises become redundant; it is the inner drive that makes you love, care, and nurture them. The same applies to nature.
• I have been practicing environmental protection for many years and have gradually given up trying to influence those around me. Everyone has their own lifestyle and beliefs, so I will just continue to do my best.
• Lowering my own awareness to listen to the Earth’s voice; I am a part of the Earth.
• Embracing the principles of regeneration, connecting with life in various fields, and developing and utilizing my own potential.
• Working diligently with other partners.
• Cleaning my room when I return home, organizing seasonal clothes, practicing decluttering, and setting aside time each day for quiet reflection.
• Practicing self-discipline and propriety.
• Bringing the experiences I have learned back to my own life and influencing more people around me.
• Understanding the efforts of the dedicated people here from a personal perspective and maintaining attention. While we cannot address everyone’s needs, making an impact from an individual to a group, and influencing large systems through small system updates is already valuable.
• Giving my baby more experiences and listening in the forest.
• Enabling more people and communities to experience programs that touch their hearts and taking better care of the place we call home.
• I will drink more tea, savor every meal, and appreciate the people around me more. For every project I undertake, I will practice mindfulness exercises and pay attention to non-visual cues on site.
• Listening to nature and living harmoniously with it.
• Bringing wholeness into my life and work by developing a method of working that incorporates this awareness. Additionally, I will aim to sleep early and rise early.

Whether reconnecting with nature or supporting and resonating with each other, love remains at the heart of this journey. In every moment of immersion, we commit to turning this love into action, integrating the principles of regenerative design into every future project, so that life and nature can flourish together. Amidst all changes and endings, the only constant is love, which will guide us forward.

Three months have passed since the workshop ended, but our connection continues to thrive. In addition to our monthly online gatherings, the participants have spontaneously formed a weekly Regenerative Design book-reading club. Moreover, five participants have volunteered to return to Xilai for one to four weeks. At the same time, many participants have organized offline visits, traveling from Tibet to Mogan Mountain and reuniting. Looking ahead, our community will extend beyond China to all of Asia.

The Regenerative Journey Continues: Next Gathering—Kuching Awaits You

The first leg of the FUTURE+ Regenerative Design International Eco-Camp has come to a successful close. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every participant for their trust and full engagement, as well as to all the partners who supported and accompanied us throughout this journey. Our gratitude goes to WildBound and Architecture 2030 for their initiation and organization, to mentors Bill and Roberto for their experiential guidance and content delivery, and to Mr. Shi Guoping’s team for their leadership and instruction. We also thank Xiyin and Xiaoxiao for their patient support from start to finish, and to Zhu Qiao and Alan for their in-depth explanations at the Space Station. Special thanks to Dafu for sharing his stories, to the little angels Qiu Lu and Jiu Hui during the tea party, and to the Luding team—Songmei, Tianlai, Meizi—and the many warm friends at Maikunta. We are especially grateful to Kunkun for the photography and meticulous editing, and to the A Cai team for their continuous support and companionship. Because of you, this journey has been even more memorable and precious.