Regenerative Design 2026: Now is not the time to be quiet.

The Regenerative Architecture Index has returned for 2026. This year it takes a month long residency at the Building Centre as Regenerative Design 2026. It hosts three exhibitions and an events programme exploring all aspects of Regenerative Design.

The Regenerative Architecture Index is now in its third year. A collaboration between Architecture Today and Architects Declare it considers three themes that we consider to be vital to designing regeneratively co-evolve with nature, create a just space and be a good ancestor.  Collective Works are listed within the index again this year and are proud to be part of the Regenerative Design 2026.

Regenerative Design 2026 hosts three exhibitions:

The case studies – over 100 regenerative design projects, by over 100 RAI practices which share what is possible now, and what our architecture could look like in the future.

Tim Soar’s fabulous practice portrait series – Reinventing Practice explores what Regenerative Practice looks like.

Live webcam footage of the bear enclosure at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown on the Isle of Wight, where Benji and Balu – who were rescued from Azerbaijan, where they were kept in cages outside a restaurant as entertainment for customers – can now live in a habitat that allows them to be bears again.

We are Front Runners in The Regenerative Architecture Index

The full list of Regenerative Architecture Index was published in the Sept/Oct edition of Architecture Today. At the launch event, the Front Runners and Ones to Watch were announced. Collective Works are proud to be amongst the front runners for ‘Creating a just space for people’ category once again, recognised for our caring approach to practice, our leadership in ethics within the industry and for the framework we have developed to assess the ethical suitability of new work.

Celebrating 10 years of RISE, a regenerative community theatre project

Within the exhibition, we celebrate 10 years since we collaborated with the Old Vic Theatre on the community production of RISE. Our temporary theatre was built and demounted in 10 days, and hosted 200 actors from various backgrounds and 2000 audience members who came to see the play.

We are proud to be a part of the Regenerative Design Community. Our reflections on why Regenerative Design is so relevant right now are quoted in the introduction to the case studies.

“Times are manic, and crises compound. Those in power dispute the shifting climate, the essence of equity, and our very roots in nature. But our movement remembers these roots, recognising the very real advantages of a regenerative future. Taking the long view reveals a consensus: renewables resist shock, local materials bypass global conflict, and healthy housing holds immense value. The communities most impacted by these issues must come together, with our support, to find cohesion and cultural understanding.

It is our role to see that bigger picture, seek out those communities, and learn from their ethics. Through this we can raise one voice – as now is not the time to be quiet.”

Regenerative Design 2026: Events

During the month long event, Siri and Alasdair will be participating in events – sharing their experiences and helping our community to feel better informed to raise our one voice.

Wednesday  7 October: RIBA London Ethical Practice Special Interest Group: FORUM 03: “How Should We Innovate?”

Organised by the RIBA London Ethical Practice Special Interest Group and chaired by the group’s Chair, Doug Hodgson of New-Works and Alasdair Ben Dixon of Collective Works, this workshop brings together varied perspectives to explore innovative approaches and ideas that support the creation of an ethical built environment for professionals and communities. Speakers include incoming RIBA president Jay Morton of Bell Phillips Architects, Jo McCafferty of Levitt Bernstein and Dinah Bornat of ZCD Architects.

Register for a place 

Tuesday 20 October: Specifying natural and sustainable construction materials

Sourcing natural and sustainable construction materials can present various challenges, but addressing these hurdles is crucial for promoting environmentally responsible and socially conscious building practices. Siri Zanelli will join the line up of speakers for this session to explore the issues around availability, cost considerations, certification and standards, quality and performance, education and awareness, regulatory compliance, supply-chain transparency and local sourcing.

Book tickets

Thanks to the whole team at Architecture Today and Architecture Declares . We are looking forward to being a part of this month-long festival of Regenerative Design.  At the opening Isabel Allen encouraged us to be Regenerative Designers: “Don’t stop dancing, encourage one another, challenge and ask how we can co-evolve with nature, create a just space and be a good ancestor.”