Research paper

11/5/2011

Surekha K.C UD 6909

Topic: An enquiry into bioregional paradigm as a means to achieve reintegration of

human society to the natural environment.
Abstract
Purpose of study
There is an urgent and indisputable reality concerning to the relationship and the
coexistence of human beings and the planet on which we live in. We have already
realized that our life and the way we live on earth is affecting rest of the life on it.
This has been evidently proven by nature with different environmental catastrophes
such as worldwide pollution, global warming, extinction of species, and destruction
of natural habitat. At the same time the social habitat, cities and new towns are
increasingly over-populated and will become even more numerous and crowded in
the future. So there is an urgent need to actively rethink on alternate development
paradigms to achieve sustenance of all living forms on the planet in a more
sustainable way.
Hypothesis
Nature forms the setting on which we live, work, build, enjoy, and experience. If so,
specific bioregional patterns should form the guiding matrix for future physical
development. This will help in nurturing sustainable ecopolis which will be totally
integrated with the territorial values of the pertaining region.
Research question
How can bioregional paradigm become an alternate development perspective which
will bring in/enhance the cohesiveness existing in a bioregion?
What are the general parameters and design requisites for physically implementing
bioregionalism in cities and new towns from an urban design point of view?
Bioregional Paradigm
Bioregionalism refers to physical land planning and management that promotes
sustainable development by recognizing the relationship between, and giving
practical effect to, environmental integrity, human-well-being and economic
efficiency within a defined geographical space, the boundaries of which were
determined in accordance with environmental and social criteria. So the relationship
should be recognized in a balanced and integrated manner in the context of a
specific place, and never as stand-alone issues in general terms.
It is an organised process that enables people to work together, think carefully
about the potential and problems of their region, set goals and objectives, define
activities, implement projects, take actions agreed upon by the communities,
evaluate progress and refine their approach (Miller, 1996).
Methodology

The paper will try to understand the concept of bioregionalism theoretically and
taking case studies. The critical interpretation of theory and analysis of case studies
will be used to form a set of design parameters which can be physically
implemented from an urban design and planning standpoint. The study will also try
to prove bioregional paradigm as a sustainable and holistic development
perspective.