Toward Re-Entanglement: A Charter for the City and the Earth

Summary
The Toward Re-Entanglement Charter calls for a systemic transformation of the building sector, addressing the intertwined ecological, climatic, and social crises facing humanity. Developed by the Bauhaus Earth Initiative, it outlines twelve principles aimed at redesigning urban life cycles, integrating bioregional and regenerative practices, and fostering symbiosis between cities and their natural surroundings. The Charter emphasises the use of biobased materials, biodiversity restoration, and equitable urban development as cornerstones of sustainable living.

Key Takeaways
1. Regenerative Design: Advocates circular economy cycles and the use of biobased materials, including timber, to balance human activity with ecological restoration.
2. Systemic Change: Encourages holistic approaches to governance, design, and urban planning to prioritise biodiversity and equity.
3. Global and Local Synergy: Highlights the importance of bioregional solutions while maintaining awareness of global interconnections.

How It Can Help You
This Charter is a valuable guide for policymakers, architects, and planners who are:
• Interested in transformative approaches to urban design and building practices.
• Seeking to adopt biobased materials and biodiversity-positive solutions.
• Looking for actionable principles to align urban planning with planetary health and social equity.

Key Learnings
1. Biobased Materials as Carbon Sinks: Emphasises timber and other plant-based materials as key to reducing embodied carbon and enhancing urban carbon storage.
2. Urban-Bioregional Integration: Advocates bioregional planning to connect cities with the ecosystems that sustain them, promoting both biodiversity and resilience.
3. Equity and Inclusivity: Calls for equitable housing, rural empowerment, and public spaces to foster social cohesion and inclusivity.