Engaging Inner Landscapes in Regenerative Design

This article examines how art-based methods can support regenerative design practice by helping designers access their inner landscapes within the design process. It draws on theories from design methodology, analytical psychology, and organizational creativity and innovation, and is informed by empirical research from a continuing education program with professional designers at the Royal Danish Academy. The study highlights the limitations of prominent design methodologies. These often emphasize external, goal-oriented activities, and rapid progress, leaving little space for slowness and inner experience. Art-based methods, derived from disciplines like visual art, theater, and poetry, offer a different approach. Characterized by their circumambulatory and exploratory nature, they enable a nonlinear exploration of design questions in which unexpected associations and insights can emerge. Experiences from the program suggest that such practices can help designers temporarily let go of control and rational thinking and open to images and symbols from the unconscious, which may lead to new and transformative perspectives. The analysis identifies five recurring themes that point to the importance of engaging deeper levels of experience as a complement to methodologies that primarily operate within the prevailing values and assumptions of our time. While approaches such as design thinking provide effective frameworks for collaborative problem-solving, art-based methods create space for engaging with deeper layers of meaning and imagination. The article therefore proposes a both−and perspective. By combining prominent design methodologies with art-based practices, external and goal-oriented action can be balanced with inner, open-ended exploration, supporting more holistic and regenerative forms of design practice.