Abstract
This paper examines how ecological framings—biomes and biozones—can serve as alternative units for understanding and organizing space, offering insights beyond conventional political or economic boundaries. The purpose of the study is to investigate how large-scale ecological systems and localized ecological conditions shape human settlement, design, and adaptation. The research adopts a comparative, cross-scalar method: analyzing biomes at the planetary level to understand global ecological interconnections, while studying biozones at the local scale to reveal microclimates, hydrological systems, and biodiversity patterns that directly influence urban and rural environments. Case studies include urban heat islands, watershed-based planning, rewilding projects, and indigenous spatial practices. These examples are evaluated for how effectively they integrate ecological framings into planning, architecture, and community resilience strategies. The findings suggest that considering both biomes and biozones enables a more holistic approach to spatial practice, one that recognizes ecological systems as active frameworks rather than passive contexts. The implications are significant: embedding ecological framings into design and policy can foster more climate-responsive, adaptive, and regenerative settlements. By reframing space through ecological lenses, this research argues for a shift from anthropocentric to eco-centric planning, opening pathways for more resilient futures that align human activity with the dynamics of the natural world.
Presenters
Haadiya AbbasTeam Lead, Green Initiative Outreach Program, Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP), Islamabad, Pakistan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Biomes, Biozones, Ecological, Frameworks, Spatial, Design, Climate Resilience, Urban, Ecology
