Regenerative Agriculture and Urban Permaculture Education for Students in Germany | 2022-2023

Client

Applied University RheinMain, Germany (Hochschule RheinMain)

Challenge

The university wanted to introduce nature-based solutions to its Architecture and Environmental Science students, thereby extending the existing curriculum.

Approach

For two semesters, the lecture “Regenerative Agriculture and Permaculture in the Urban Context” was provided to architecture, civil engineering, and environmental science students. The lecture provided an understanding of the fundamentals of regenerative agriculture, permaculture design, and their application in urban spaces. Practical lessons were included, where students learned about observation, landscape, and contour line mapping. For the final exam, the students had to choose an urban area, design it accordingly, and present it.

Outcome

In addition to the increased theoretical knowledge of regenerative and urban agriculture, their significant impact on regional and global climate, and their potential for climate change mitigation and adaptation, the students were sensitized to the importance of observation, rural and urban landscapes, landscape design, and available nature-based solutions to address current rural and urban challenges.