Living Environments in Natural, Social, & Economic Systems
Background
As advocates for a living earth community, and more specifically as practitioners in the green building movement, we are seeking solutions to overwhelming social and environmental concerns. We are part of a global awakening that is moving away from means and methods that erode our capacity to survive and toward a balanced and life-sustaining model.
In response to this awakening, the Institute for the Built Environment has brought together a network of scientists, economists, built environment professionals and community members to develop the LENSES Framework™. The Framework is designed to shift mindsets toward regenerative thinking and action: it is a tool that guides and develops capacity within teams and creates dialogue and action toward regenerative practices. LENSES provides a visual model that helps people to see interconnections and envision beneficial, regenerative ideas and potential solutions. For the full story, click here to view the LENSES Vision Book.
Our vision…
- to guide dialogue and redefine success for the built environment
- to help define the spectrum of degenerative, sustainable and regenerative practices
- to be replicable across cultures and eco-regions
- to cultivate radically appropriate and beneficial solution sets
Key concepts…
- shifting mindsets is paramount
- process is as important as product
- qualitative and quantitative metrics are valuable
- solutions must come from a deep understanding of place
- the built environment becomes “living” by actively engaging the elements that flow through it
How it works…
The LENSES Framework is comprised of a series of 3 interactive 'lenses'.
LENSES Guidebook Series
Student, faculty and experts from many disciplines have logged over 6000 hours into the development of the LENSES Framework. Now that the concepts of the Framework are thoroughly developed, we envision creating a number of resources: a guidebook series, facilitator training programs, higher education curriculum, and other materials. We are currently seeking funding to develop the LENSES Guidebook Series. The conceptual outline of the Guidebook Series is complete and includes five workbook style guides.
Part 1: Introduction to LENSES
User and Participant Overview - to educate and inform diverse stakeholder participants for a LENSES project
Part 2: Facilitator’s Toolkit
Process Guide – outlines how to employ the LENSES tool throughout each stage of a project
Metrics Guide – defines degenerative to regenerative practices on a variety of topics
Activities Workbook – a collection of engaging activities to expand thinking and build capacity within a team
Planning & Logistics Workbook – provides tips and check sheets for LENSES facilitators
LENSES Pilot Projects
We are currently seeking project partners who are interested in a mutually beneficial exchange.
Our offer to a pilot project:
We offer the collective expertise and wisdom that has been gained through the LENSES Framework development. We believe that, while still under development, LENSES offers a meaningful approach to creating thoroughly appropriate places that will benefit the environmental, social and economic fabric of our communities.
LENSES has the potential to positively impact projects by:
- guiding dialogue and redefining success for place making,
- helping to define a path for regenerative design and operations, and
- focusing on healthy biological processes, greenhouse gas reductions, sustainability education, green job creation, and community building.
A pilot project’s offer to us:
In exchange, a pilot project would offer the opportunity to engage in meaningful applied learning on your project. Partnering organizations understand that they are participating in the advanced development and refinement of future LENSES products and would agree to a service for fee contract. A pilot project partner agree to collaboratively incorporate the LENSES process in their of their project development. Inherent in this process is the need for open communication, mutual respect, and passion.
For more information on becoming a pilot project, supporting LENSES development, or becoming a volunteer please contact:
April Wackerman, Projects Manager, april.wackerman@colostate.edu