The Scale of Permanence: Ecological Design Framework

A framework for ecological project planning

Our planning process is inspired by the Scale of Permanence. It grounds a project in an ecological design framework and differs from conventional architecture or construction planning because it treats the entire space as an interrelated organism. This article shares our modified Scale for our planning and design work at One Regeneration

The scale has two axes.

1. Vertical axis: Energy Required to ChangeThe higher an element sits on the scale, the more energy, cost, time, coordination, and effort it takes to change. These decisions are harder to reverse. There is less direct human influence. The lower an element sits, the more directly and easily human activity can influence it.

2. Horizontal axis: Relative Permanence / Time The farther right an element sits, the more permanent it is over time. These decisions shape the site for longer periods.

Together, the axes help us decide the appropriate order for planning and action, what should happen before what, and what can remain flexible as the project evolves.

1. Climate

Climate is the largest condition shaping the whole project. It includes rainfall, sun, heat, humidity, wind, storms, seasonal patterns, and the general environmental reality of the site.

We do not try to fight the climate. We design with it. The structure, roof, drainage, wall systems, openings, materials, and construction sequence must all respond to the climate, including rainfall, heat, humidity, wind, and storm exposure.

Climate sets the baseline for every other decision. The orientation of structures and the decisions around earth-shaping, trenches, and drainage should be based on climate. From there, architectural choices can be made lower down the scale.

Walker's Reserve in Barbados - Landform was adjusted early in the regeneration project because it directly impacts water and later actions

2. Landform

Landform refers to the shape of the land: slope, high points, low points, ridges, depressions, flat areas, drainage paths, and the general form of the ground.

Landform determines where water naturally wants to move, where erosion may happen, where construction will be easier, and where earthworks may be needed.

For a master plan, this means placing structures, trenches, access, work zones, and water systems in relationship to the existing shape of the land. We can alter landform, but only with cost, machinery, labor, and risk. Once changed and built around, it takes considerable energy to change again.

The Forever Home at Wa Samaki Ecosystens in Trinidad - water design informs what is possible with structures and vegetation

3. Water

Water follows climate and landform. Once we understand rainfall and the shape of the land, we can understand where water collects, moves, infiltrates, erodes, or causes problems. We can also change water patterns by changing landform higher up the scale.

Water planning includes drainage trenches, roof runoff, and where water may be stored, slowed, redirected, or absorbed.

Water decisions should happen before final building placement and major construction. A beautiful structure in the wrong water position will become difficult to maintain.

4. Invisible Structures

Invisible structures are the social, legal, economic, and organizational conditions that shape what can actually happen on a site.

This includes agreements with neighbors, land access, permissions, ownership, responsibilities, budgets, labor availability, decision-making, project roles, maintenance commitments, community relationships, and the economic model behind a project.

These structures are not always visible on a site map. This layer includes agreements about construction access, labor, storage, security, project supervision, timelines, payment, and who is responsible for each phase of work.

5. Roads & Access

Roads and access determine how people, materials, and machinery move through a site.

This includes vehicle access, work zones, and routes between structures and other working areas, both temporary and permanent.

Access should be planned early because it affects the cost and flow of the whole build.

Agroforestry Design Example

6. Trees & Long-term Vegetation

(Interchangeable with Permanent Structures, depending on project focus.)

Trees and long-term vegetation shape microclimate. New planting can improve a project over time, but trees grow slowly, so decisions about protection, removal, pruning, and planting should be made thoughtfully.

7. Permanent Structures

(Interchangeable with Trees & Long-term Vegetation, depending on project focus.)

Buildings should not be treated as the first action. They should emerge from the earlier layers: climate, landform, water, invisible structures, access, and long-term vegetation. Construction should only start once decisions and actions on those higher elements are resolved.

8. Subdivision & Fencing

These elements matter, but they can usually change more easily than roads, water systems, landform, or buildings. They should support the larger site logic rather than dictate it.

9. Soils & Gardens

Because soils and gardens can change, we can improve them gradually. But we should avoid unnecessary compaction, erosion, contamination, and waste from the beginning.

10. Aesthetics

Aesthetics is the most flexible layer, but it is still important. It helps people feel connected to a site and more willing to care for it. Aesthetics should grow from the deeper decisions: climate response, landform, water, access, vegetation, material choices, and the way people will live and work in the space.

Working order for the master plan

We use the simplified scale in this order:

1. Climate

2. Landform

3. Water

4. Invisible Structures

5. Roads & Access

6. Trees & Long-term Vegetation

7. Permanent Structures

8. Subdivision & Fencing

9. Soils & Gardens

10. Aesthetics

This gives us a practical rule:

Make the most permanent decisions first. Keep the more flexible decisions adaptable as the site logic evolves.