RIFS Potsdam 107d ago

Panel 3 explored how regenerative thinking can transform systems such as finance, architecture, and local economic organization. Through examples from regenerative investing, architectural practice, and cooperative economic models, the speakers demonstrated that systemic change does not arise only from new technologies or policies, but also from rethinking how institutions operate, how resources circulate, and how people collaborate. The discussion highlighted innovative approaches that prioritize ecological and social well-being, showing how local initiatives, cooperation, and mindful design can gradually reshape industries and communities while working within existing economic structures. Keywords: regenerative systems, systemic change, ecological design, cooperative models, sustainable architecture, community resilience, alternative financing, circular economies Key Topics: The principles of regenerative systems and designing enterprises that work with nature The role of systemic critique and long-term responsibility in architecture Strategies for financing regenerative projects outside conventional channels The importance of collaboration and learning from community-rooted solutions Panel Host: Angela Juliana Odero (Kenya) Rio Fish Limited CEO, Co-Founder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-juliana-o-82207b163/ Speakers: Jorge Gonçalves (Portugal) Minga Cooperativa Integral Co-Founder Intro Link: https://mingamontemor.pt/project/jorge-goncalves/ (No LinkedIn Profile) Angela Ka Ki Lee (France/Hong Kong) HAAU architecture studio, Founder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelakakilee/ Ebru Kaya & André Stürmer (South Africa) atreyu Co-founders LinkedIn: André: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9-st%C3%BCrmer-aa477/ Ebru: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebru-kaya-9741432/ Speaker Quotes: "Designing with nature, not against it, is the future of sustainable architecture." – Angela Lee "Local action and authentic cooperation are the seeds of systemic change." – Jorge Goncalves "Embracing regenerative principles means working with potential, not just solving problems." – Ebru Kaya Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to designing for regeneration and systemic change 01:15 - Rethinking traditional growth and embracing regenerative principles 03:15 - Andre and Ebru discuss regenerative investing and working with potential 12:43 - Architecture as a relational, ecological, and systemic practice 22:30 - The creation of multi-sectoral cooperatives to combat depopulation 29:04 - Navigating the balance between system adaptation and integrity 42:07 - Final thoughts: stay true, start small, and build trust in cooperation 48:36 - The emerging landscape of regenerative finance outside traditional channels Key take-aways from the panel Several key conclusions emerged from the discussion. Systemic change requires redesigning how institutions operate, including financial systems, professional practices, and local economic structures. Regeneration is not a final state but a continuous process of learning, experimentation, and adaptation. Collaboration and shared infrastructure can significantly increase economic resilience, especially for small-scale entrepreneurs and local communities. Systemic transformation often begins with small but meaningful changes, such as new forms of collaboration, ownership, or organizational culture. It’s important to focus on what unites people rather than ideological differences, as cooperation across diverse perspectives is essential for building regenerative systems. To learn more about the event, please click here: https://www.rifs-potsdam.de/en/events/rehumanizing-profit-redefining-business-regenerative-future