Ecologies of Inception

This insightful book explores sustainable design principles, offering fresh perspectives on architecture and environmental responsibility through the lens of Ecologies of Inception.

The book Ecologies of Inception serves as a vital resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, educators, as well as professional architects and designers who are keen on sustainable design. It aims to provide conceptual and design tools that are necessary to address the significant challenges posed by the climate emergency. The text responds to the alarming rise in planetary pollution, waste generation, and environmental degradation, thereby rethinking the potentiality of objects in architecture and design.

Ecologies of Inception critiques the prevailing modern design paradigm, which often starts from a technical tabula rasa. This approach typically involves using raw materials that can be easily manipulated, leading to a seamless embodiment of design intentions. However, the book encourages a collective reconsideration of value, challenging the notion that design should be attributed to a single author or generation. It delves into the theoretical assumptions behind current practices, revealing how they may inadvertently perpetuate biases and exclusions that contribute to waste.

As an alternative, the book introduces a nodal and exaptive paradigm for design, offering a conceptual and methodological toolkit that prioritizes maintenance, reuse, care, and co-option. Drawing inspiration from various fields such as evolutionary biology and improvisational practices, Ecologies of Inception engages with materials as unique entities rather than mere resources. This innovative approach fosters a deeper understanding of design's potential in the context of sustainability and environmental responsibility.