Paper short abstract:

Promoting Urban Nature-Centred Design (UND), this study emphasizes the pivotal role of agency in a multidisciplinary literature review. UND advocates a shift towards nature-inclusive urban approaches, aiming to envision non-human inhabitants as integral contributors to urban coexistence.

Paper long abstract:

Driven by the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, particularly the critical loss of biodiversity, this study introduces a novel urban design methodology. This approach, termed Urban Nature-Centred Design (UND), advocates for a shift from a human-centric to a nature-inclusive perspective in urban planning. It emphasizes the role of non-human communities as primary agents in participatory design processes. UND is rooted in the intersection of participation and nature-inclusivity, requiring a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that integrates diverse knowledge and experiences.

The study begins with an extensive literature review, which serves as a foundation for developing the UND methodology. This review includes a narrative analysis of the evolving relationship between cities and nature, alongside a conceptual examination of participation and nature-inclusivity. The review culminates in exploring the pivotal concept of agency, encompassing post-humanistic and bioinclusive ethical considerations, urban ecology, and indigenous knowledge. This multidisciplinary analysis informs the design principles of UND, establishing the conceptual framework for this emerging discipline.

The paper concludes by highlighting the crucial importance of establishing a UND methodology. This methodology aims to foster a deep reconnection between individuals and nature, recognizing non-human inhabitants as integral contributors to urban communities. Such recognition is envisioned as a catalyst for promoting harmonious coexistence in urban environments.