https://thedesigncharity.org.uk The Design Charity Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:35:52 +0000 https://thedesigncharity.org.uk en https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Untitled-Page Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:35:52 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Untitled-Page .content_container { width: 100% !important; max-width: 1400px !important; } .entry { width: 100% !important; } .clean-video { width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px; transform: scale(1.05); /* Stealth crop to remove edge artifacts */ filter: contrast(1.05); /* Slight polish to make it feel like film */ } Reclaiming the 95% The Neuro-inclusive Mandate Inhabiting the 95% requires a predictable sensory environment. By utilizing biotic visuals, we reduce the cognitive load on the high-sensitivity nervous system. This is not just "design" — it is a biological requirement for cognitive accessibility. Our research focuses on creating spaces that respect the biological reality of the user, moving beyond mere aesthetics toward biological equity. When we design for the most sensitive nervous systems, we create environments that function better for everyone. This is the mandate: to reclaim the vast majority of our cognitive potential by aligning our architecture with our evolution. RESEARCH ARCHIVE | BIOTIC DESIGN SYSTEMS https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Reclaiming-the-95 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:11:43 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Reclaiming-the-95 .content_container { width: 100% !important; max-width: 1400px !important; } .entry { width: 100% !important; } Reclaiming the 95% The Neuro-inclusive Mandate Inhabiting the 95% requires a predictable sensory environment. By utilizing biotic visuals, we reduce the cognitive load on the high-sensitivity nervous system. https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Home Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:40:19 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Home THE DESIGN CHARITYTransformative Healing Environments https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:05:07 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll What We Do Regenerative Landscapes We are committed to the design and build of transformative environments for communities experiencing green space deprivationEducational Programs &amp; Playful Learning Environments We research , educate, train, and raise awareness in all areas of landscape and environmental design&nbsp; Interactive Exhibitions &amp; Engaging Workshops The design and build of our transformative landscapes has earned us&nbsp; 5 Gold and Silver Gilt R.H.S.Medals from Chelsea, Hampton Court and Tatton Flower Shows. Our wide-ranging workshops are activated by participants in public schools, community centers,&nbsp; and council estates LEARN MORE https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll2 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 10:20:34 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll2 Creating space to heal, learn, grow, exchange, and experiment https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll3-1 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:03:25 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll3-1 LATEST Chelsea Flower Show,May 2027 – ‘Reclaiming the 95%: The Garden of Consciousness’ Lead Research Project: A symbiotic, bio-adaptive laboratory exploring neuro-inclusivity and the subconscious through plant-human entrainment. Birmingham Football Club, under review – ‘Arthur’s Garden’ Memorial garden – design and build&nbsp; Robert Owen Nursery School, London, in planning stages– ‘Playful Learning Landscape’ Playground and garden – design and build Guy’s and St. Thomas Hospital, London, proposed designs – ‘Gradient Ecotherapy Space’ Therapeutic garden – design and build Meridian Primary School, London UK / International, 2026 – ‘The Meridian Landscape Project’ Educational curriculum, community green space, playful learning landscape – design and build https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll4 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:43:26 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/HomeScroll4 Empowering communities through participatory design https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Process Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:35:54 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/Process How We Achieve Transformation Our Process Context Analysis Site visit, identify stakeholders, identify environmental conditions, identify socio-cultural demographics Community Engagement Discuss most pressing needs with community members, hold charrette sessions, initiate engaging workshops, future foresight planning Conduct Cutting–Edge Research Societal trends &amp; conditions, place-based idiosyncrasies, design methodologies, ecological conditions Form Impactful Partnerships Community members, local governments, non-profit organizations, private sector Collaborative Design Incorporate suggestions and needs which come out of community engagement sessions, embed guiding principles and best practices, experiment Build Space for Transformative Healing Source sustainable materials, provide free on-site training for vulnerable community members, improve and cultivate environments https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/ABOUT Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:57:37 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/ABOUT About Us <img width="1204" height="815" width_o="1204" height_o="815" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d1e65d952fe76d54187ad067506e4bf29853efc6fef4bae0aaee2e7fe6fceb25/Screenshot-2019-11-06-at-22.05.22.png" data-mid="167412137" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d1e65d952fe76d54187ad067506e4bf29853efc6fef4bae0aaee2e7fe6fceb25/Screenshot-2019-11-06-at-22.05.22.png" /> We are an award-winning environmental design charity based in London, UK. The Design Charity engages with citizens, civil society organizations, and public health officials to create spaces for healing, adaptation, and regeneration. Our team is organized around a shared understanding that quality green space is both a critical part of urban infrastructure and a foundational requirement for the health and wellbeing of any community. Our Evolution: From Social Design to Biotic Infrastructure Building on our decade-long history of participatory design, The Design Charity is embarking on a landmark transition. Led by our founder’s doctoral research at the University of Sheffield, we are evolving our practice into Biotic Infrastructure. Through a high-level research consortium—including Prof. Paco Calvo (MINT Lab) and Prof. Andrew Adamatzky (Unconventional Computing Lab),and Arts and Metiers (Paris)—we are developing the 95% Garden framework. This initiative moves beyond aesthetic landscaping into the realm of "Symbiotic Entrainment," creating environments that sense and respond to the human nervous system in real-time. Our 2027 Chelsea Flower Show flagship, Reclaiming the 95%, serves as the global "Node Zero" for this new era of neuro-inclusive urban design. <img width="2534" height="1924" width_o="2534" height_o="1924" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3e298ce5ecfcbeb06bf8bbbfb1dbceb98d154a2eee86f3900efc5b66417b3d9d/Screenshot-2023-02-01-at-11.53.35.png" data-mid="166883091" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3e298ce5ecfcbeb06bf8bbbfb1dbceb98d154a2eee86f3900efc5b66417b3d9d/Screenshot-2023-02-01-at-11.53.35.png" /> Recognizing the growing gap in urban green space provision, with people in deprived areas having access to fewer parks, playgrounds, and natural landscapes than their more affluent counterparts, our work is directed towards ensuring all communities have equal opportunities to flourish.&nbsp; We are primarily funded by The Design CIC, otherwise we are funded on a project-to-project basis. <img width="3504" height="2336" width_o="3504" height_o="2336" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a86795a99cf87250b5585aaf9e6722397de3441ad1073d296438abce2fd421ef/Frab-5.jpeg" data-mid="165656064" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a86795a99cf87250b5585aaf9e6722397de3441ad1073d296438abce2fd421ef/Frab-5.jpeg" /> 167, Greenwhich High Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 8JA | info@thedesigncharity.org Charity Number: 1146865 Our FocusThe Design Charity is working to co-create the conditions necessary for transformative healing to take place. With an emphasis on&nbsp; environmental design, we leverage our multi-disciplinary expertise to share knowledge, uncover beauty in landscapes, and develop resources for climate change mitigation.&nbsp;To better understand our process, please see How We Achieve Transformation The Charity’s core focus is the design and build of regenerative landscapes for communities experiencing green space deprivation. Beyond landscape interventions, The Design Charity engages the public through interactive exhibitions, hands-on landscape training courses, and participatory design workshops.&nbsp; <img width="2016" height="1116" width_o="2016" height_o="1116" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/8c9c7e77b4c34e6c73f1d74c865275d19effcb75b5e9fce4f12f657cbef9ff91/Screen-Shot-2023-01-20-at-11.38.48-AM.png" data-mid="165385734" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/8c9c7e77b4c34e6c73f1d74c865275d19effcb75b5e9fce4f12f657cbef9ff91/Screen-Shot-2023-01-20-at-11.38.48-AM.png" /> Current projects include the design and build of healing gardens for those recovering from debilitating illness, the provision of interactive play spaces for children’s hospices, the creation of community gardens for social housing projects situated in green deserts, and the production of an immersive exhibition aimed at climate change mitigation. <img width="2954" height="1820" width_o="2954" height_o="1820" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/353cbfb72b47acb41dc5db61aa284ff4361ac0e8587887b546323b20723213a9/Screenshot-2021-01-26-at-18.21.56.png" data-mid="166337626" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/353cbfb72b47acb41dc5db61aa284ff4361ac0e8587887b546323b20723213a9/Screenshot-2021-01-26-at-18.21.56.png" /><img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e628a3dbc47d8c9ea8ac7908a3d68f0d9b4ff9349f4f827ad45eafbb88c9fd60/robert-owen-good.jpg" data-mid="166339011" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e628a3dbc47d8c9ea8ac7908a3d68f0d9b4ff9349f4f827ad45eafbb88c9fd60/robert-owen-good.jpg" /><img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/327a9fd120a89cdf280b2dbe00769c2931df44949f994f9cfb78641560e42d78/5.jpg" data-mid="166339283" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/327a9fd120a89cdf280b2dbe00769c2931df44949f994f9cfb78641560e42d78/5.jpg" /><img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d849b0304ba54a5a0a8f2c51caf511e007f422eb81bbc14a1df4b509fb212a1c/8.jpg" data-mid="166883232" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d849b0304ba54a5a0a8f2c51caf511e007f422eb81bbc14a1df4b509fb212a1c/8.jpg" /> TeamWe are a small, multi-disciplinary team with a shared commitment to improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our partners and collaborators. Each member of our team has developed the ability to evaluate our clients and collaborators’ existing environmental needs, all the while anticipating their future demands and desires. &nbsp;<img width="368" height="364" width_o="368" height_o="364" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c5dea2e84667cbf10819e50925ccd92bc8bb528dc7d5aa9ea31cefe9c2722449/Chris-Butterworth.jpeg" data-mid="165400946" border="0" data-scale="58" alt="Chris Butterworth &ndash; Planting Design Manager" data-caption="Chris Butterworth – Planting Design Manager" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/368/i/c5dea2e84667cbf10819e50925ccd92bc8bb528dc7d5aa9ea31cefe9c2722449/Chris-Butterworth.jpeg" /> Chris Butterworth is a plant expert and award-winning horticulturalist. Chris is also a lecturer in sociology and public health. Her expertise in horticulture combined with her knowledge of social and public health issues allows her to create environments that promote well-being and healing. With her passion and dedication, Chris is making a positive impact in the lives of those in need. <img width="452" height="439" width_o="452" height_o="439" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/63924eede9af1cc9ebaa219ce36b05f571abbb58bfa4235bf5d87c95a1923d81/William-Butterworth-1.jpeg" data-mid="165399588" border="0" data-scale="58" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/452/i/63924eede9af1cc9ebaa219ce36b05f571abbb58bfa4235bf5d87c95a1923d81/William-Butterworth-1.jpeg" /> Award-winning Landscape Architect, William Butterworth is the CEO and founder of The Design charity and its trading arm The Design CIC. In line with the mission of The Design Charity, William has an abiding interest in the creation of transformative, healing environments. <img width="1585" height="1512" width_o="1585" height_o="1512" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bfc6df15dd5a5caa29286a2ea1bb94374d125e9ce5e6fdcdd4c8c5586f347c75/IMG_3302.jpg" data-mid="172237609" border="0" data-scale="58" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bfc6df15dd5a5caa29286a2ea1bb94374d125e9ce5e6fdcdd4c8c5586f347c75/IMG_3302.jpg" /> Silas Creighton is a practice-based researcher and strategic designer. As Research, Design and Development Lead, his work for the charity involves identifying opportunities for transformative healing, building impactful partnerships across sectors, and collaborating with communities on environmental design proposals. With wide-ranging experience which includes regenerating damaged landscapes and investigating human and environmental rights violations, Silas is committed to helping improve the health of people and the earth. <img width="390" height="427" width_o="390" height_o="427" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/311a5b8b2d20cb06cdcae4760f819ddb5983b05c4d915ec2fb67c038dff67854/Sebastian.jpeg" data-mid="165399695" border="0" data-scale="58" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/390/i/311a5b8b2d20cb06cdcae4760f819ddb5983b05c4d915ec2fb67c038dff67854/Sebastian.jpeg" /> Trained in computer animation and carpentry Sebastian Turner Cain, our projects manager, brings 15 years of experience and technical expertise to all aspects of the construction process. As a key member of the charity, he ensures that our designs are transformed into meticulously built landscapes and environments. With his unique blend of skills and drive, Sebastian is making a difference in the world one project at a time. &nbsp; &nbsp; https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/PROJECTS Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:08:18 +0000 The Design Charity https://thedesigncharity.org.uk/PROJECTS ︎CURRENT<img width="1920" height="1080" width_o="1920" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/463dc07333a17911e39cbb8950dbb5fef0e2c453a1a16dac5e7faf14ed9cb8b2/12.jpg" data-mid="165961599" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/463dc07333a17911e39cbb8950dbb5fef0e2c453a1a16dac5e7faf14ed9cb8b2/12.jpg" /> MORE&nbsp;︎︎︎ ︎ PAST <img width="3504" height="2336" width_o="3504" height_o="2336" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1d8f3ee2dfac3cecec933f0ec92894273d01217e9476d7cb4d496bc776dd00c4/Frab-4.jpeg" data-mid="165961558" border="0" data-scale="85" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1d8f3ee2dfac3cecec933f0ec92894273d01217e9476d7cb4d496bc776dd00c4/Frab-4.jpeg" /> MORE ︎︎︎&nbsp;