The idea that our purpose on Earth is to enhance its beauty for future generations—to leave behind a legacy that inspires awe, much like the Mont Saint Michel or Chartres Cathedral—resonates deeply in our current era. This perspective, often referred to as "cathedral thinking," is about creating something greater than ourselves, something that endures beyond our lifetimes. During my recent pilgrimage to Chartres Cathedral and Mont Saint Michel, I was struck by how profoundly this mindset has shaped human history and how relevant it remains today, especially in the context of sustainability.
As I stood beneath the soaring spires of Chartres, marveling at the intricate stained glass windows, I couldn't help but think about the medieval craftsmen who built this cathedral. They knew they would never see its completion, yet they dedicated their lives to a project that transcended their immediate needs, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to future generations. This is the essence of cathedral thinking—a commitment to purpose, responsibility, and long-term vision.
The Relevance of Cathedral Thinking Today
In the 21st century, these principles are not only applicable to architecture but are also crucial for addressing the environmental and social challenges we face. The disasters that have befallen certain communities and ecosystems highlight what happens when we neglect long-term thinking and responsibility. As individuals and organizations, we have the opportunity—and the obligation—to incorporate cathedral thinking into our actions, ensuring that we build a future that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient.
To achieve this, we must redefine our collective purpose. A concept that resonates with cathedral thinking is "systemic wellness"—a holistic approach that emphasizes the health and well-being of the entire ecosystem, including both human and non-human entities. This new cathedral, the purpose we must embrace in the 21st century, requires us to adopt strategic design, an approach that prioritizes long-term consequences over short-term gains.
Strategic Design: The Bridge Between Cathedral Thinking and Action
Strategic design is the linchpin that connects cathedral thinking with practical action. It involves considering the intricate interplay between different components of a problem or project, and recognizing that changes in one part of the system can have far-reaching effects. By designing with an eye on the future, strategic design encourages us to consider the lasting impact of our decisions and actions, helping us avoid short-sighted choices that could harm future generations.
Moreover, strategic design is dynamic. It promotes continuous learning and adaptation through feedback loops, allowing us to remain responsive to changing circumstances and ensuring that our actions stay relevant and effective over time. In essence, strategic design is about laying the groundwork for something that will not only last but will also evolve and thrive as conditions change.
The craftsmen who built Chartres Cathedral were not just constructing a building; they were investing their time and energy in a project that would benefit generations they would never know. This same commitment is what we need today as we design solutions for the challenges of our time. Whether we are addressing climate change, social inequality, or economic instability, the principles of cathedral thinking—purpose, responsibility, and long-term vision—must guide our efforts.
The Intersection of Cathedral Thinking, Strategic Design, and Sustainable Cities
One of the most compelling applications of cathedral thinking and strategic design today is in the development of sustainable cities. The concept of sustainable cities, as outlined by UN-Habitat, shares the same long-term vision and responsibility toward future generations that define cathedral thinking. Sustainable cities aim to create environments that are not only resilient and inclusive but also capable of supporting the well-being of all their inhabitants.
Sustainable cities require a holistic approach, integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations into every aspect of urban planning and development. This is where strategic design comes into play. By adopting a strategic design mindset, we can ensure that the systems we build—whether they are cities, policies, or communities—are resilient, adaptable, and capable of thriving in the face of future challenges.
Blue Schools: Microcosms of Sustainable Cities
The concept of blue schools of sustainability further exemplifies how cathedral thinking and strategic design can manifest in educational settings. Blue schools, operating on sailing vessels, are like floating microcosms of the sustainable cities envisioned by UN-Habitat. These schools, much like cities, are self-contained environments where resources must be managed sustainably, communities must cooperate, and the natural environment must be respected.
Onboard these vessels, students learn to live within the limits of their environment, innovate in resource management, and think critically about the long-term impacts of their actions—all essential skills for developing sustainable cities. These floating schools provide a powerful model for integrating education with the principles of sustainability, preparing students to apply these lessons in the broader context of urban development.
Connecting Cathedral Thinking with Laudato Si’ and Santiago de Compostela
The connection between cathedral thinking, strategic design, and sustainable cities also aligns with the teachings of Laudato Si and the spiritual journey of Santiago de Compostela. Both emphasize responsibility, long-term thinking, and care for the broader environment and community.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis calls for an ecological conversion that moves beyond short-term, individualistic gains toward a broader, more holistic approach to caring for our common home—the Earth. This mirrors cathedral thinking, which focuses on building for the long term, with a sense of responsibility toward future generations.
Similarly, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela represents a journey of spiritual reflection and transformation—a metaphor for the long-term journey that cathedral thinking and strategic design require. It is a journey that demands patience, commitment, and a focus on creating a better, more sustainable world.
A Call to Action
By linking the principles of cathedral thinking with the teachings of Laudato Si’, the strategic, long-term approach embodied in sustainable cities, and the innovative educational model of blue schools, we are reminded that our actions today have far-reaching consequences. We are called to adopt a mindset that prioritizes the well-being of the entire system—our environment, our communities, and future generations—over immediate gratification.
In practical terms, this means designing sustainable cities, developing policies that protect natural resources, and creating businesses that prioritize ethical and environmental concerns. It’s about fostering a culture of responsibility, where every decision is made with an awareness of its impact on the broader world and the future.
Conclusion: A Unified Vision for the Future
The lessons of cathedral thinking are more relevant than ever in our pursuit of systemic wellness. By focusing on responsibility and long-term thinking, and by leveraging the power of strategic design, we can create a future that reflects the enduring values of purpose and stewardship. Just as the builders of Chartres Cathedral laid stones that would stand the test of time, so too can we lay the foundations for a world that will sustain and nurture generations to come.
One exciting initiative that embodies these principles is the new project by the MonAsia Association: the Blue Schools of Sustainability. This project integrates the concepts of blue schools, cathedral thinking, and sustainable cities into a cohesive educational model that prepares future generations to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. By educating students aboard sustainable sailing vessels, MonAsia's Blue Schools foster a deep understanding of resource management, environmental stewardship, and community cooperation—key components of building resilient and inclusive cities.
Through initiatives like MonAsia's Blue Schools of Sustainability, we are not only teaching the next generation the importance of long-term thinking and systemic wellness but also actively building the skills and mindsets needed to create a sustainable and equitable world. This is the essence of cathedral thinking—laying the groundwork for a future that will stand the test of time.
Président de l'association
