Natere

Natere is a term used in architecture, urban planning, and environmental studies to describe an approach that integrates natural systems into built environments to enhance biodiversity, resilience, and human well-being. It encompasses design strategies, governance concepts, and evaluative metrics that treat nature as an infrastructural component rather than a peripheral amenity.

Origins and usage: The term is believed to have emerged in the early 2000s within discussions of ecological urbanism. It is sometimes described as a blend of nature and terrain, though some scholars note it draws from broader planning discourse rather than a single linguistic root. Since its introduction, natere has been adopted in architectural studios, municipal plans, and environmental policy debates, particularly in regions facing climate risks and rapid urbanization.

Characteristics and methods: Natere emphasizes creating and maintaining ecological networks, such as green corridors, water-sensitive urban design, urban forests, and soil- and habitat-friendly infrastructure. It relies on participatory planning, transdisciplinary research, and performance metrics that include biodiversity indices, climate adaptation capacity, and public accessibility.

Criticisms and reception: Critics argue that natere can be ill-defined or overlapping with established concepts like biophilic design, green infrastructure, and ecosystem services. Proponents respond that natere provides a unifying framework that centers nature’s integration with daily life and governance.

See also: Biophilic design, Green infrastructure, Urban ecology, Ecosystem services, Landscape architecture.