What the Project Is All About
theOtherDada is on a bold mission: transforming cities and communities into regenerative ecosystems where all forms of Life can truly thrive. This isn’t just architecture—it’s a whole new way of thinking and designing. They blend architecture, strategy, and landscape to restore ecosystems, deepen interspecies relationships, and activate communities. At its core, the project uses urban afforestation as a powerful tool for social and ecological regeneration, turning degraded lands and neglected urban spaces into vibrant, living habitats. It’s architecture with a purpose, fueled by biomimicry—emulating nature to solve human challenges—and a deep commitment to people and the planet.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes this project stand out:
- B Corporation certified with an impressive score of 87.3, showing a strong commitment to social and environmental performance.
- Over 20 native Miyawaki forests planted, transforming degraded urban sites into thriving ecosystems.
- Engagement of thousands of community members, empowering locals to reclaim urban landfills.
- Active participation in global events like Pullman xChange Dubai 2025, connecting with 150 leaders and changemakers worldwide.
- Featured in the Wellcome exhibition in London, highlighting the Beirut RiverLESS Forest and its community-centered approach.
- Firmly aligned with the UN Decade of Action, focusing on rewilding cities and reclaiming public spaces.
Innovative Design Rooted in Nature
theOtherDada’s approach goes way beyond traditional architecture. It’s about exploring the natural ecosystems of each site to create innovative, sustainable living habitats. Biomimicry is at the heart of this process—looking to nature’s own designs to inspire solutions that work for humans and the environment alike. This means architecture that’s not just green, but regenerative, socially engaged, and deeply connected to the natural world. It’s a practice that bridges architecture, ecology, and art, crafting spaces that function as living systems where biodiversity can flourish.
Community and Ecological Regeneration
Urban afforestation isn’t just about planting trees—it’s about weaving together communities and ecosystems. Through initiatives like theOtherForest, the project mobilizes thousands of people to participate in restoring degraded urban landfills by planting dense native forests. This creates an interspecies ecotone—a shared space where human and non-human life meet and thrive together. The project’s work in Lebanon, including the Beirut RiverLESS Forest, exemplifies this community-centered, long-term commitment to ecological and social repair. It’s about reclaiming the commons and designing with care, making a real impact on urban livability.
Leadership and Vision
Adib Dada, the founder and internationally recognized regenerative advisor, leads theOtherDada with a vision that’s both ambitious and grounded. His work pioneers nature-based design rooted in biomimicry and systems thinking, advancing a new paradigm where the built environment becomes a living system. Through award-winning initiatives and a deep understanding of ecology and architecture, Adib’s leadership is shaping future-ready cities that are livable, resilient, and regenerative. The practice’s commitment to moving the world from EGO to ECO is more than a slogan—it’s a transformative call to action.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – creating livable, future-ready urban environments.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – mitigating climate change through urban afforestation and ecosystem restoration.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – restoring habitats and biodiversity in degraded urban areas.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with communities and global leaders to drive change.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – improving urban livability and community health through green spaces.
Looking Ahead: A Regenerative Future
theOtherDada’s work is a powerful example of how architecture can be a force for good—regenerating places, restoring ecosystems, and activating communities. By embracing systems thinking and biomimicry, the project offers a hopeful vision for cities where nature and people coexist in harmony. As the world faces growing environmental and social challenges, initiatives like this show that with creativity, commitment, and collaboration, it’s possible to design a future that’s not just sustainable, but truly regenerative. The journey from EGO to ECO is underway—and it’s one worth watching.
