Submit a design solution - be it a space, product, or system - which not only minimises the impact on natural resources but proactively restores, improves, and renews the health and well-being of the planet.

What is Regenerative Design?

Regenerative design is the process of creating systems, buildings, products, or environments that actively contribute to the health and resilience of the surrounding natural and human systems. Rather than just minimising harm (as in sustainable design), regenerative design seeks to leave things better than they were.

Key principles of Regenerative Design:

1. Restorative by intent: Designs that aim to repair and enhance ecosystems and communities.

2. Systems thinking: Designs that consider entire life cycles and systems.

3. Place-based: Designs uniquely tailored to the specific ecology, culture, and history of a place.

4. Net-positive impact: Designs that go beyond net-zero goals—generating more energy, cleaner water, and healthier ecosystems than consumed or disrupted.

5. Living systems integration: Designs that show collaboration with nature, integrating biomimicry and natural processes.

6. Designs that promote well-being for both people and the planet.

Examples

A building that generates more energy than it uses and actively restores local biodiversity.
A farm that regenerates soil health while producing food and sequestering carbon.
An urban park that manages stormwater, supports native species, and fosters community connections.

Deadline

31 July 2025 - (Open to current UK-based students or 2025 graduates)

Judging criteria

Clear regenerative intent
Creativity and innovation
Transparency in terms of material use
Site or context-specific thinking
Use of Vectorworks (any version) in your process
Design aesthetics – is it beautiful?
Strong visual storytelling

Why enter

Cash prize of £1,000
Vectorworks Design Suite one-year subscription
Exposure through Planted and Vectorworks platforms
Mentorship opportunities
Stay in Planted’s stunningly designed cabin at River Cottage