Delving Deeper

Title: Whole System Integrative Design
– Introduction / Deep and Experiential Design Process Exploration
Time Allotment: 8 hours

Short Course Description (intention – purpose):

Deep/Experiential Exploration

A deep and experiential exploration of the integral relationships between the technical and living systems world and the invisible connections that are necessary to achieve true sustainability – that is to say a vital, evolving, healthy, and living system. Specific focus will be on deepening both left-brain and right-brain systems thinking capabilities (cybernetic process mapping and working with pattern processing) in order to address technical and living system activities. These together are an entry point into whole systems thinking.

You will leave with an understanding of the technical practice, collaborative processes, contractual issues, cost and fee issues and benefits, and process structures that are required and useful to address sustainability in an effective and regenerative way

Agenda Elements:

• Defining deep ‘Sustainability’
• Systems Thinking and Integrative Synergies
• Cost / Benefits of an Integrative Process
• Roadmap for an Integrative Process
• Elements for Success Implementation of an Integrative Process
• Purpose and Principle based thinking (its not the Points)
• Structuring the change process
• Helping the development / design team to develop a new mental model
• Exploration of full integration – Regeneration
• Humans and other natural systems as a unified and healthy system
• Whole System, Pattern-based and Essence Thinking:
  • The use of Cybernetic Systems (technical and left brain approaches) coupled with Living
  • System understanding (whole system and right brain approaches)
• Exploring and experiencing the process elements of Place-based Living System design using a Living System Process Framework
  • Place
  • People
  • Pattern
  • Purpose
  • Potential
  • Held together and experienced through the Story of Place ®

  Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify the critical aspects and criteria of an integrative thinking and design process in comparison to a linear and more conventional analytical and group-problem-solving process.
  2. Identify and sequence the steps of an iterative, integrative process.
  3. Describe the nature of pattern-based thinking and right brain processes required of whole systems thinking.
  4. Explain the differences between linear and technical system approaches and pattern-based, whole and living system based approaches – explain why both approaches are essential to achieve a ‘sustainable’ condition.
  5. Differentiate, with precision, a sustainable and a regenerative condition – as defined by current cultural and professional practice definitions.
  6. Describe the nature of pattern-based thinking and why it is essential to understand and work with complex living systems.
  7. Explain and differentiate the process steps of working with living systems in a community or project.

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