Writings & Publications

There is incredible power in the written word. Words do matter. "Anthropologists tell us that our ability for complex reasoning evolved at the same time as humans developed language. That’s because language provides us with a sort of source code for advanced thought"(Jacobsen, 2013). However, the language of Nature cannot be expressed only in words, as this language is embedded in the law of natural attraction and sensory phenomena, pattern languages encoded in processes of life. ​​ Dr Phillip Roös attempts to reveal this language in the combination of sculpture, drawings, paintings, writings and film. 
Dr Phillip B. Roös publishes works in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. For access to a range of his academic publications please refer to:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Phillip_Rooes

Recent Publications

A Biophilic Pattern Language for Cities

Author: Phillip B Roös
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Cham
Available at: Springer Link

​This book presents a holistic integral sustainable design and planning method embedded in the hypothesis of biophilia, our innate connection to nature, used as a platform to chart a biophilic pattern language framework. In A Biophilic Pattern Language for Cities, the author positioned the innate human-nature connection as critical in biophilic design and sustainable city planning solutions.

Reviews:
“In this powerful book, Roös revisits and creatively reinvigorates the ground-breaking pattern language work of Christopher Alexander a half-century ago. This new design imperative moves nature from something simply desirable to something absolutely essential to a flourishing urban life and to achieving a sustainable future.”
​- (Timothy Beatley, PhD, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, School of Architecture, University of Virginia)


“Roös branches out in his own original direction, applying patterns in a holistic manner tied directly to natural systems. His work thus complements other recent work on Biophilia and Patterns.”
- (Nikos A. Salingaros, PhD, Professor of Mathematics and Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio)

The Unfolding
​

Author: Phillip B Roös
Publisher: Live+Smart Research Laboratory, Deakin University 
Available at: TBA

​In this book, the author presents and details a narrative behind the exhibition 'The Unfolding'. The Unfolding consists of various artworks, including drawings, paintings, and sculptured paper scrolls. A main feature of the works are large cotton paper scrolls (approx. 10m x 1.5m) telling stories of the landscape, representing the inherent living structures, visible and non-visible of nature’s designs in abstract representations. Living structure is a physical phenomenon in nature, where through the process of unfolding nature reveals to us beauty. However, beauty is not only what we see, but also the inherent processes and morphological sequences of creation that makes the whole, that results in the feeling of connection and belonging. 
 
In order to create healthy living environments we need to include the principles of connecting to place, of belonging, of attachment to the natural world – biophilia – our innate connection to nature. Roös presents in his works a 'living structure' that comprises the geometrical rules of biological forms, a language of patterns; in essence, the elements of landscapes embodied in the complex structures found within all living forms – the 'Architecture for Life'. 

Aquaphilia
​ 

Author & Editor: Phillip B Roös
Contributors: Jesse Delmo, Lana Van Galen, Simon Kilbane, & Courtney Ward
​Publisher: Live+Smart Research Laboratory, Deakin University 
Available at: TBA
​
​All living creatures on earth have an innate connection to water, in fact, we cannot survive without water. This deep affiliation to water heightens our sensory experiences and attachment to place, where beautiful landscapes along waterways gets settled by humans since ancient times.  In the exhibition ‘Aquaphilia’, five contributors from a multidisciplinary background of architecture, landscape architecture, sculpture and fine arts – submerge themselves into the depths of their practice to produce works reflective of a 'Love of Water’.  The collection of contemporary visual and interactive artworks underpinned by the adoration for hydration, raises questions of social and environmental consciousness. This book 'Aquaphilia - Love of Water' provides in essays and details of the collections of works by the artists that cares deeply for the environment. As lead author, Roös describes and presents in words, drawings and paintings his expression of feelings, experiences and interpretations of the various natural environments that he immersed myself into - environments connected to water, the stories of 'Hydro-Philos'. 

Selected Publications

Regenerative-Adaptive Design for Sustainable Development: A Pattern Language Approach

Author: Phillip B Roös
Publisher: Springer International Publishing (2021)
Available at: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030532338​

​​In this book, the author tests a regenerative-adaptive pattern language theory towards investigating the possibilities of a holistic, integrated design and planning method for sustainable development that incorporates the principles of regenerative design, as well as an adaptive pattern language that re-establishes our wholeness with nature, and considers the vulnerabilities of a changing landscape. The book examines an integral approach to contemporary theories of planning and design that explores the human-nature relationship patterns in social and spatial interconnections, between people and their natural environments. The interconnectedness of human and natural systems is used to scaffold possible solutions to address key environmental and sustainability issues that specifically address the need for patterns of behaviour that acknowledge the duality of ‘man and nature’. In 12 chapters, the book presents a holistic, regenerative adaptive pattern language that encapsulates how communities can better appreciate landscape change under future climate effects, and acknowledges the importance to adapt to patterns of change of place and the environment and therefore inform the communities’ responses for sustainable development. The application of the regenerative-adaptive pattern language was tested along the Great Ocean Road region of the Victorian coast in Australia.

Heal the Scar: Regenerative Futures of Damaged Landscapes

Editor & Author: Phillip B Roös
Publisher: Live+Smart Research Laboratory, Deakin University (2020)
Available at: TBA

​Heal the Scar offers an insightful investigation and visionary concepts for the re-purposing and regeneration of exhausted quarry and mine sites. Commencing with framing the global problem of a rapidly expanding non-renewable resource extraction industry to supply the cheap resource needs for a rapidly urbanised world, chapters progress to explore alternative solutions towards more sustainable and environmentally focused options that address the negative legacy and impacts upon the lands and waters that these mine sites leave behind. This book seeks to discuss current issues relating to these scars in the landscape, the closed, rehabilitated and/or abandoned mine sites; especially those sites that are next to human settlements. So how can these sites be transformed from highly environmental impacted and damaged landscapes to sustainable and regenerative places that respect and engage with their environments and their surrounding communities. The research team and contributing authors attempt to provide insights to help answer one important question - What can we do to solve this problem? 

Geelong's Changing Landscape: Ecology, Development and Conservation 

Editors: David S Jones & Phillip B Roös
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing (1 November 2019)
Available at: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/6771/ 
​
​Geelong’s Changing Landscape offers an insightful investigation of the ecological history of the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula region. Commencing with the penetrating perspectives of Wadawurrung Elders, chapters explore colonisation and post-World War II industrial development through to the present challenges surrounding the ongoing urbanisation of this region. 
Expert contributors provide thoughtful analysis of the ecological and cultural characteristics of the landscape, the impact of past actions, and options for ethical future management of the region. This book will be of value to scientists, engineers, land use planners, environmentalists and historians.
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​ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I would like to acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways across world, and the rich cultural and intrinsic connection they have to their traditional lands. I also recognise and acknowledge that First Nation Peoples have made and continue to make extraordinary contributions to all aspects of life including culture, economy, arts and sciences. I also acknowledge Mother Earth for providing us life. Wild Nature touches and invites my soul.
DISCLAIMER: 
The multimedia, graphic and visual content, views, and opinions expressed on this website are those of Dr Phillip B. Roös and do not represent the opinions of the organisations to which he is affiliated. The content has been made available for the purpose of information only, and he does not make representation or warranty, with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the content. He has taken reasonable measures to ensure this information is correct at time of release, but offers no guarantee or warranty that the content is up to date, complete, or accurate and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material.