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| research_report_sanjeev-shankar [2008-04-01 15:47] – sanjeev | research_report_sanjeev-shankar [2008-04-10 08:42] – sanjeev |
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| ==== Gro World _ RUrban Permaculture ==== | ==== Gro World - [[(R)Urban]] Permaculture ==== |
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| This report from [[sanjeev shankar]] is in progress as of 2008-03 | This report from [[sanjeev shankar]] is in progress as of 2008-03 |
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| The subject of this project demands a sensitized and practical approach. The methodology was crucial to help the design researcher develop empathy for the cause and also become aware of the complexity of the problem at hand. Visiting the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Kerala and subsequent visits to other sustainable enterprises dedicated to organic methods of farming and revitalisation of traditional Indian farming techniques were crucial to inform the research. It has helped the researcher appreciate the nuances and demands of the project. Reading the book, ‘An Agricultural Testament’ by Sir Albert Howard was a critical experience in realising the huge divide in agriculture methods between the orient and the occident. While, 'Permaculture: Principles and Pathways beyond Sustanability' by David Holmgren, gives wonderful insights into the genesis of this idea and how it could positivell impact sustainability efforts globally. All of this has helped to create the right references for this project and enabled the researcher to present a lucid and detailed project report to the producer. | The subject of this project demands a sensitized and practical approach. The methodology was crucial to help the design researcher develop empathy for the cause and also become aware of the complexity of the problem at hand. Visiting the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Kerala and subsequent visits to other sustainable enterprises dedicated to organic methods of farming and revitalisation of traditional Indian farming techniques were crucial to inform the research. It has helped the researcher appreciate the nuances and demands of the project. Reading the book, ‘An Agricultural Testament’ by Sir Albert Howard was a critical experience in realising the huge divide in agriculture methods between the orient and the occident. While, 'Permaculture: Principles and Pathways beyond Sustanability' by David Holmgren, gives wonderful insights into the genesis of this idea and how it could positivell impact sustainability efforts globally. All of this has helped to create the right references for this project and enabled the researcher to present a lucid and detailed project report to the producer. |
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| ====Solution/Results==== | ====Solution/Results==== |
| === Permaculture === | === Permaculture === |
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| Permaculture is an integrated, interdependent, evolving, multidimensional and creative design response to a world of declining energy and resource availability with emphasis on design processes drawn from nature. It is about values and visions, and design and systems of management that are based on holistic understanding, especially of our bio-ecological and pychosocial knowledge and wisdom. It is particularly about our relationships with, and the design and redesign of, natural resource management systems, so that they may support the health and well being of all present and future generations. | [[Permaculture]] is an integrated, interdependent, evolving, multidimensional and creative design response to a world of declining energy and resource availability with emphasis on design processes drawn from nature. It is about values and visions, and design and systems of management that are based on holistic understanding, especially of our bio-ecological and pychosocial knowledge and wisdom. It is particularly about our relationships with, and the design and redesign of, natural resource management systems, so that they may support the health and well being of all present and future generations. |
| Permaculture also reflects the ongoing evolution of our knowledge systems and can be intepreted to any area which might benefit from such holistic design theory and practice. Human settlements, business enterprises, political and economic systems, learning environments, health field and child rearing can be some of these areas. | Permaculture also reflects the ongoing evolution of our knowledge systems and can be intepreted to any area which might benefit from such holistic design theory and practice. Human settlements, business enterprises, political and economic systems, learning environments, health field and child rearing can be some of these areas. |
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| For many, the Permaculture focus on land and natural resource management is complimentary to the industrial focus of the "green tech" optimists, but there are differences. Permaculture: | For many, the Permaculture focus on land and natural resource management is complimentary to the industrial focus of the "green tech" optimists, but there are differences. Permaculture: |
| * gives priority to using existing wealth to rebuilding natural capital, especially trees and forests, as a proven storage of wealth to sustain humanity into a future with less fossil fuel. | * gives priority to using existing wealth to rebuilding natural capital, especially trees and forests, as a proven storage of wealth to sustain humanity into a future with less fossil fuel. |
| * emphasises bottom-up "redesign" processes, starting with the individual and household as drivers for change at the market, community and cultural level | * emphasises bottom-up "redesign" processes, starting with the individual and household as drivers for change at the market, community and cultural level |
| * more fundamentally, was predicated on the likelihood of some degree of collapse and breakdown in technology, economics and even society, which is not envisaged or designed for by the "green tech" optimists but is a current reality for many people around the world. | * more fundamentally, was predicated on the likelihood of some degree of collapse and breakdown in technology, economics and even society, which is not envisaged or designed for by the "green tech" optimists but is a current reality for many people around the world. |
| * sees pre-industrial sustainable societies as providing models that reflect the more general system design principles observable in nature,and relevant to post-industrial systems. | * sees pre-industrial sustainable societies as providing models that reflect the more general system design principles observable in nature,and relevant to post-industrial systems. |
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| The assumptions on which permaculture was originally based were: | The assumptions on which permaculture was originally based were: |
| * The environmental crisis is real and its magnitude and impact directly threatens our survival. | * The environmental crisis is real and its magnitude and impact directly threatens our survival. |
| * The ongoing impact of golbal industrial society and human numbers on biodiversity would be far greater than has ever been. | * The ongoing impact of golbal industrial society and human numbers on biodiversity would be far greater than has ever been. |
| * Humans are subject to the same scientific laws which govern the entire universe including the evolution of life. | * Humans are subject to the same scientific laws which govern the entire universe including the evolution of life. |
| * The inevitable depletion of non-renewable fuels will see a return to general pre-industrial systems dependent on renewable energy and resources. | * The inevitable depletion of non-renewable fuels will see a return to general pre-industrial systems dependent on renewable energy and resources. |
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| Further, insofar as permaculture is an appropriate response to limitations on use of energy and natural resources, it will move on from its current status as "alternative response to environmental crisis" to the social and economic mainstream of the post-industrial era. Whether it will be called permaculture or not is a secondary matter. | Further, insofar as permaculture is an appropriate response to limitations on use of energy and natural resources, it will move on from its current status as "alternative response to environmental crisis" to the social and economic mainstream of the post-industrial era. Whether it will be called permaculture or not is a secondary matter. |
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| Permaculture is a wholehearted adaptation to the ecological realities of decline and offers us a graceful and ethical descent. The process for providing for people's needs within ecological limits requires a cultural revolution. We appear to have little time to achieve ths revolution and in this context, the idea of simple set of guiding //design principles// which have wide, universal application is attractive. The following principles are slogans which act as a checklist when considering complex options for design and evolution of ecological support systems. | Permaculture is a wholehearted adaptation to the ecological realities of decline and offers us a graceful and ethical descent. The process for providing for people's needs within ecological limits requires a cultural revolution. We appear to have little time to achieve ths revolution and in this context, the idea of simple set of guiding //design principles// which have wide, universal application is attractive. The following principles are slogans which act as a checklist when considering complex options for design and evolution of ecological support systems. |
| 1.Observe and Interact | - Observe and Interact |
| 2.Catch and store energy | - Catch and store energy |
| 3.Obtain a yield | - Obtain a yield |
| 4.Apply self-regulation and accept feedback | - Apply self-regulation and accept feedback |
| 5.Use and value renewable resources and services | - Use and value renewable resources and services |
| 6.Produce no waste | - Produce no waste |
| 7.Design from patterns to details | - Design from patterns to details |
| 8.Integrate rather than segregate | - Integrate rather than segregate |
| 9.Use small and slow solutions | - Use small and slow solutions |
| 10.Use and value diversity | - Use and value diversity |
| 11.Use edges and value the marginal | - Use edges and value the marginal |
| 12.Creatiively use and respond to change | - Creatively use and respond to change ((Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability by David Holmgren)) |
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| Now, in a situation of descent, //ethics// become indispensable and through their culturally evolved systemic nature lead us to create a more inclusive view of who and what constitutes "us". The three broad maxims or principles which cover these are given below: | Now, in a situation of descent, //ethics// become indispensable and through their culturally evolved systemic nature lead us to create a more inclusive view of who and what constitutes "us". The three broad maxims or principles which cover these are given below: |
| ==Urban Permaculture== | ==Urban Permaculture== |
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| A permaculture garden is not a garden seen in nature. Though it might have a configuration like a forest in terms of stability and efficiency, it is rich in functional plants which have a strong relationship with each other and result in high yields. In urban situations, space is limited, there may be little or no access to land, and various regulatory restrictions exist when it comes to gardening or having backyard animals. Some of the concepts that people have used in urban settings which have allowed them to circumnavigate these obstacles are discussed below. They are a mix of approaches, ranging from gardening to co-parenting, going across different aspects of sustainability. Further the character of cities in the western world is extremely different from the eastern world. These differences work at social, political and physical level and have shaped these cities. Hence, there is a great diversity in all these examples but the concept of "no loss" links them all. | A permaculture garden is not a garden seen in nature. Though it might have a configuration like a forest in terms of stability and efficiency, it is rich in functional plants which have a strong relationship with each other and result in high yields. In urban situations, space is limited, there may be little or no access to land, and various regulatory restrictions exist when it comes to gardening or having backyard animals. Some of the concepts that people have used in urban settings which have allowed them to circumnavigate these obstacles are discussed below. They are a mix of approaches, ranging from gardening to co-parenting, going across different aspects of sustainability. Further the character of cities in the western world is extremely different from the eastern world. These differences work at social, political and physical level and have shaped these cities. Hence, the examples discussed below are quiet diverse but the concept of "no loss" links them all. |
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| * Rooftop gardens: Rooftop gardens are a specific urban agriculture niche set within a broader system of city gardens, enjoying their own set of distinctive benefits. Rooftops are underutilized and rarely-considered urban spaces with great potential for creative development. There are essentially [[three_options_for_rooftop_gardens]] for rooftop gardens. | * Rooftop gardens: Rooftop gardens are a specific urban agriculture niche set within a broader system of city gardens, enjoying their own set of distinctive benefits. Rooftops are underutilized and rarely-considered urban spaces with great potential for creative development. There are essentially [[three options for rooftop gardens]] for rooftop gardens. |
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| * Vertical gardens: Commonly seen in many western cities, vertical gardens act as good insulators and a source of food. They also increase the life of the structural wall behind. Vines are one of the most common plants used to create vertical green facades. | * Vertical gardens: Vertical gardening is a comprehensive term referring to any manner in which plants can be grown on, up, or against the wall of a building such as a vine, as part of a window shade, as a balcony garden, or in a vertical hydroponic system. Vertical gardens act as good insulators and a source of food. They also increase the life of the structural wall behind, reduce storm water run-off, reduce the heat island effect of cities and improve the water quality. For more details see [[vertical gardens]]. |
| | {{:perma84.jpg|}} |
| | ((www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com)) |
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| * City farms: In New york, numerous vacant plots have been converted into city farms where communities grow there own food. These range from apples to pears. Further, by using graftign techniques, fences can be made entirely out of such plants. In Melbourne, the city farms also play the role of community education centres, which is a brilliant way to introduce kids to aspects of food production. In Davis, California, through the allocation of areas for directing rain water into catchment basins, //swail areas// have been created which over the years have now transformed into productive fruit farms. | * City farms: In New york, numerous vacant plots have been converted into city farms where communities grow there own food. These range from apples to pears. Further, by using graftign techniques, fences can be made entirely out of such plants. In Melbourne, the city farms also play the role of community education centres, which is a brilliant way to introduce kids to aspects of food production. In Davis, California, through the allocation of areas for directing rain water into catchment basins, //swail areas// have been created which over the years have now transformed into productive fruit farms. |
| === Possibilities for urban permaculture kits === | === Possibilities for urban permaculture kits === |
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| An important question considered by the researcher was, what are the growth symbols/patterns in urban areas? We have an opportunity here, to design responses which will directly impact the situation, related to real estate, construction, mass production, modular systems, transportation and architecture. Responses which soften the 'corporate sheen' of cities to create ubiquitous greens _ **ubiquitous planting**. How can we do this ? As per recent statistics the planet adds 73 million humans to its tally every year!((http://www.worldometers.info)) Can we add 73 trillion plants every year ? | An important question considered by the researcher was, what are the growth symbols/patterns in urban areas? The challenges in cities can be seen as opportunities. We could come up with design responses which will directly impact the situation. This could be related to to real estate, construction, mass production, modular systems, transportation and architecture. Responses which soften the 'corporate sheen' of cities to create ubiquitous greens through **ubiquitous planting**. As per recent statistics the planet adds 73 million humans to its tally every year!((http://www.worldometers.info)) Can we add 73 trillion plants every year ? |
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| see [[urban permaculture kits]] | see [[urban permaculture kits]] |
| * //description and suggestions around the collaboration process (if applicable)// | * //description and suggestions around the collaboration process (if applicable)// |
| * //suggestions for the future work based on the conclusions of the research// | * //suggestions for the future work based on the conclusions of the research// |
| * //comments on the response of the public (if applicable)// | |
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| ====References==== | ====References==== |
| * http://www.di.net/videos/the_new_species_architecture/ | * http://www.di.net/videos/the_new_species_architecture/ |
| * http://www.materialecology.com/ | * http://www.materialecology.com/ |
| | * http://ecotality.com/life/ |
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| Films | Films |
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| 1. Power of community: Produced by the community solution organization, the film explores the peak oil crisis with focus on community based solutions that reflect the values of cooperation, conservation and curtailment. The film captures the free fall of Cuba's economy in early 90's with the fall of the Soviet Union and its brilliant turnaround using drastic measures to become self reliant. It demonstrates the role of community in dealing with acute challenges. Every aspect of cuban life was affected by the 'special period', but no change was as far reaching as agriculture. Cuba was forced to switch to survival agriculture from the green revolution practices it was accustomed to. A drastic effort to convert every piece of arable land to organic agriculture was begin. An urban agriculture movement resulted where every vacant lot in the city was converted into an orchard. Under urban gardening, idle plots of land were identified, cleaned and turned into gardens by the community. The people cooperating and caring about each other were the main factors for the turnaround. With sustainable practices Cuba found that it took 3 to 5 years to rehabilitate the soil again. To increase food production the government worked with farmers to find local solutions. The result was smaller farms and cooperatives with a high degree of privatization and autonomy. These were able to use sustainable practices in a much more efficient manner and created new ways of decentralized growth under a larger umbrella. With a more stable method of land distribution and ownership, thousands moved to rural areas. The impact was also felt in the education, housng, transportation and energy alternatives realms resulting in improvised solutions from the people and the government which has not only created a unique model for all of us but also reinstilled faith in the power of simple steps taken at a community level. | * Power of community: Produced by the community solution organization, the film explores the peak oil crisis with focus on community based solutions that reflect the values of cooperation, conservation and curtailment. The film captures the free fall of Cuba's economy in early 90's with the fall of the Soviet Union and its brilliant turnaround using drastic measures to become self reliant. It demonstrates the role of community in dealing with acute challenges. Every aspect of cuban life was affected by the 'special period', but no change was as far reaching as agriculture. Cuba was forced to switch to survival agriculture from the green revolution practices it was accustomed to. A drastic effort to convert every piece of arable land to organic agriculture was begin. An urban agriculture movement resulted where every vacant lot in the city was converted into an orchard. Under urban gardening, idle plots of land were identified, cleaned and turned into gardens by the community. The people cooperating and caring about each other were the main factors for the turnaround. With sustainable practices Cuba found that it took 3 to 5 years to rehabilitate the soil again. To increase food production the government worked with farmers to find local solutions. The result was smaller farms and cooperatives with a high degree of privatization and autonomy. These were able to use sustainable practices in a much more efficient manner and created new ways of decentralized growth under a larger umbrella. With a more stable method of land distribution and ownership, thousands moved to rural areas. The impact was also felt in the education, housng, transportation and energy alternatives realms resulting in improvised solutions from the people and the government which has not only created a unique model for all of us but also reinstilled faith in the power of simple steps taken at a community level. |
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| 2. Bill Mollison-Global Gardener Series 1-4 | * Bill Mollison-Global Gardener Series 1-4 |
| 3. Bill Mollison-Funding the Revolution | * Bill Mollison-Funding the Revolution |
| 4. Bill Mollison-Permaculture Design Course | * Bill Mollison-Permaculture Design Course |
| 5. Farming with Nature-A case study of successful temperate Permaculture | * Farming with Nature-A case study of successful temperate Permaculture |
| 6. Permaculture- Sepp Holzer - Aquaculture-Synergy of Land and Water | * Permaculture- Sepp Holzer - Aquaculture-Synergy of Land and Water |
| 7. Permaculture- Emilia Hazelip-Synergistic Garden | * Permaculture- Emilia Hazelip-Synergistic Garden |
sanjeev