Description
A systems-led course to help engineers (and other humans) think their way into regenerative design.
A new kind of introduction to regenerative design
Regenerative design is gaining momentum — but it’s not always clear where to begin. This short online course offers one of two different starting points: an interactive, practice-based introduction to regenerative thinking that begins with systems thinking and conceptual tools, then builds toward lived experience and real-world application.
These courses are for engineers, architects, designers, and professionals across the built environment who are ready to explore new ways of thinking and working.
They’re designed to build practical capability — helping teams improve design outcomes, respond to shifting client expectations, and embed long-term regenerative thinking.
Two ways in — choosing the one that fits you
This course is one of two new online introductions to regenerative design offered by Constructivist:
- Seeing the System and
- Feeling the Future
Both are grounded in The Pattern Book for Regenerative Design, using Pattern 01 (Canvas) and Pattern 02 (Twill) as their core structures.
Each course covers similar themes — but they start in different places:
- Seeing the System begins with systems thinking and conceptual tools, then turns to application and lived experience.
- Feeling the Future starts with observation, story, and experience, before moving toward frameworks and models.
Choose the one that suits how you (or your team) like to learn.
Why this course?
Regenerative design is on the rise — but many professionals are still figuring out how to bring it into practice. This course helps you bridge the gap between theory and application.
You’ll develop a clear understanding of regenerative systems, gain tools for mapping and influencing them, and build confidence in applying this thinking to real projects and strategic conversations.
It’s a good place to start if:
- You’re intrigued by regenerative design and want to explore what it actually means
- You have a hunch the way we build and manage projects isn’t working — and want to do it differently
- You’re looking for a sense of purpose or inspiration in your work
- You want to deepen your thinking and make more deliberate, systemic interventions
- You’re more comfortable starting with diagrams, frameworks, and leverage points — and want to build outwards into practice
What it covers
Week 1 — Mapping the System.
We begin by exploring complexity and how to characterise the systems we see around us using the Systems Bookcase model. We also introduce the Three Horizons model as a way of mapping systemic change.
You’ll gain tools for mapping project contexts and identifying strategic levers for change.
Week 2 — Establishing the regenerative framework.
We define the goal of regenerative design and explore how to make change happen using the Library of Systems Change. We then use the Living Systems Blueprint to describe what thriving systems look like from a design perspective.
You’ll develop a working framework for regenerative design and a shared language for systems-level conversations.
Week 3 — Getting out into the world.
We use the Living Systems Blueprint model to understand regenerative systems at the level of behaviour and design patterns.
You’ll learn how to diagnose system patterns and generate insight from real-world observation.
Week 4 — The broader systems picture.
We explore the Systems Bookcase model to place regenerative design within the wider built environment context. We then return to Three Horizons to define possible roles for the regenerative designer.
You’ll leave with clarity about where to act, and practical tools to support your next steps.
Format and commitment
- Four 2-hour sessions over four weeks
- Hosted on Zoom, using Mural for visual collaboration
- Weekly “workwork” (like homework, but that you do at work)
- Live, interactive, and cohort-based
Next course runs: Wednesday 12th November to Wednesday 3rd December
This course is for…
- Engineers, architects, designers, project leads
- Professionals across the built-environment sector
- Anyone ready to design differently — and looking to think systemically
It’s particularly useful for people who:
- Want to use regenerative design tools with clients or collaborators
- Are early in their exploration of regenerative ideas
- Want to reconnect their professional role with personal values or purpose
- Prefer starting with frameworks, models and maps before exploring story or metaphor.
Pricing
We operate a three-tier pricing structure.
- £350 – Commercial and academic institutions
- £250 – Freelancers, NGOs, and community organisations
- £150 – Supported places for those operating on a shoestring (apply here)
About the trainer
This course is facilitated by Oliver Broadbent, founder of Constructivist, Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers, and co-author of The Regenerative Structural Engineer.
Oliver is an award-winning educator in design thinking and regenerative practice, known for making complex ideas accessible and applicable. He works across sectors to support engineers (and other humans) in integrating systems thinking, creativity, and long-term flourishing into their work.
He is the author of The Pattern Book for Regenerative Design, which forms the foundation of these courses. His teaching style is energetic, facilitative and deeply human — rooted in lived experience and systems insight, with a good dose of humour and reflection.
