Page 16 - JCAU-5-4

Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Working with the energies of life

9. We declare that energy is at the heart of these crises. means that governments and corporations should
The way we produce, distribute, and consume energy not be allowed to exploit energy resources for their
is profoundly unjust and unsustainable. It perpetuates own profit, but rather distribute the flow of energies
social and environmental inequalities, destroys equitably to serve the common good.
ecosystems, and fuels the climate emergency. 17. We are not alone. We are many. We are entangled. We
10. We reject the dominant energy paradigm that relies are energized.
on finite, polluting, and centralized sources of energy,
such as fossil fuels and nuclear power. We refuse to 9. Conclusion
accept the false promises of technofixes that perpetuate The concept of regenerative design offers a profound
the logic of domination and control. departure from traditional approaches to sustainable
11. Instead, we embrace the commons of energies that buildings and energy usage. It goes beyond striving for
value diversity, resilience, and regeneration. We mere neutrality and sets out to create built environments
recognize that energy is not a commodity to be owned that actively enrich and contribute to local ecosystems.
and traded, but a fabric of transformational potentiality By engaging with the ancient notions of energy as a life
to be shared and cared for. We demand that this force and rethinking the reductionist and mechanistic
transition be led by frontline communities, workers, view of energy, regenerative design seeks to establish a
peoples, creatures, and all affected beings, who have harmonious relationship between the built environment
been historically excluded from decision-making and the natural realm.
processes. We honor the knowledge and wisdom of
indigenous and traditional peoples who have shared Drawing parallels with the concepts of “qi” in Chinese
the commons of energies through distributed and just culture and “Prana” in Hinduism and Buddhism, energy
means to live in harmony with the living realm and is a vital force that sustains all living things. The modern
have done so for millennia. scientific understanding, however, has often divorced it
12. We envision a world where energy is generated and from the living world, leading to an exploitative paradigm
consumed locally, where communities have control focused on economic productivity. This approach has had
over their energy systems, and where energy is used negative ecological impacts, resulting in a loss of diversity
for the common good rather than private profit. We and adaptability.
recognize that this requires a radical transformation of Regenerative architecture proposes to heal this rift
our social and economic systems, based on principles created by modernity by considering how microbial
of equity, solidarity, and mutual aid. technologies can harness the power of electrogenic biofilms
13. We commit to building alliances and networks of to bring about a novel way of working with the electricity
resistance and solidarity, across borders and differences, of life via integrating microbial electronics into the fabric
to challenge the power structures that perpetuate the of our daily lives. These living technologies offer a unique
energy injustices we face. We invite all those who share potential to access the commons of energies in a way that
our vision to join us in the struggle for a world of energies respects natural limits and fosters mutual exchanges with
that sustain life, enhance diversity, and foster creativity. the living world. The use of microbial electronics can
14. The commons of energies should be managed transform the way we inhabit spaces, enabling creative
collectively as a shared project and economic system and sustainable solutions for energy generation, waste
embraced by the community of life, through metabolic treatment, and even information processing.
processes that ensure that decisions about energy
production and distribution uphold the liveliness of Such advances cannot exist alone and a new
the natural realm. thermoeconomics is needed to establish a holistic and
15. The development of living technologies, which sustain ethical approach for managing the commons of energies as
the commons of energies through distributed and just a kind of marketplace where natural and engineered forms
systems, should be prioritized over all other forms of of energy can be exchanged. Such an approach recognizes
energy. Research and development of innovative “living” the interconnectedness of all living organisms and the
technologies like BES should be encouraged to promote importance of maintaining ecosystem health. By embracing
energy efficiency and establish circular principles of regenerative design and working with the natural flows
exchange through negotiations through microbial of energy, we can move toward a more enlivening and
electronics that eliminate the very concept of waste. mutually beneficial relationship with our environment.
16. The commons of energies should be protected from A paradigm shift in how we approach the design and
privatization, corporate control, and state domination, utilization of energy is possible by embracing regenerative
and defended as a common heritage of humanity. This design principles and integrating microbial technologies to

Volume 5 Issue 4 (2023) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.0862