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| Plants are the centre of the web of life. The growth of urban centres around the globe has had a critical impact on ecology. In recent years there has been a growing interest and public movement to bring ecology out of the bush and into the urban and suburban environments where most people spend their time. Whereas traditional ecology is mainly about connectedness within the natural world,the new focus lies on having a holistic and inclusive approach to build deeper links with ecology in our midst beyond doing conservation in isolated national parks. Some of the questions at the core of this research were: Is there an ecological limit to economic growth? Do we have the right to consider human beings as more valuable than other life forms? Can we be perceptive enough to see our planet in a way that tells them that they too are part of nature? Is there an option to treating forests as sacrifice zones for urban growth ? What is the future of our cities? Can there be a differentiated green identity of a future city? This research documents the current status of urban permaculture and explores ways in which we can transform our cities into productive, healthy, edible and playful green visions: visions which go beyond parks, manicured lawns, horticultural imports, bonsai and 'beautiful' golf parks. They strive to bring back plants at the core of our daily life. | Plants are the centre of the web of life. The growth of urban centres around the globe has had a critical impact on ecology. In recent years there has been a growing interest and public movement to bring ecology out of the bush and into the urban and suburban environments where most people spend their time. Whereas traditional ecology is mainly about connectedness within the natural world,the new focus lies on having a holistic and inclusive approach to build deeper links with ecology in our midst beyond doing conservation in isolated national parks. Some of the questions at the core of this research are: Is there an ecological limit to economic growth? Do we have the right to consider human beings as more valuable than other life forms? Can we be perceptive enough to see our planet in a way that tells them that they too are part of nature? Is there an option to treating forests as sacrifice zones for urban growth ? What is the future of our cities? Can there be a differentiated green identity of a future city? This research documents the current status of urban permaculture and explores ways in which we can transform our cities into productive, healthy, edible and playful green visions: visions which go beyond parks, manicured lawns, horticultural imports, bonsai and 'beautiful' golf parks. They strive to bring back plants at the core of our daily life. |
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| The research started in Brussels and Amsterdam through informal discussions between the producer, FoAM, represented by Maja Kuzmanovic and the design researcher, Sanjeev Shankar. Thereafter, the research base shifted to India where Sanjeev visited the urban villages in New Delhi, Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Kerala, the Beulah organic farm in Tamil Nadu, the Rain Forest Retreat in Karnataka and the Krac-A-Dawna biodynamic farm near Mysore. The project has also been benefitted by detailed discussions with Ms. Suprabha Seshan, director of the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary; Dr. Sujata and Anurag Goel, founders of the rain forest retreat and Juli and Vivek Cariappa, founders of the Krac-A-Dawna farm. Further site visits in New Delhi included Sarai_Centre for Social Development Studies; TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute; Khoj_a community of artists and Chandani Chowk_ a 15th century thriving settlement in Old Delhi. The research has since proceeded through follow up exchanges between the the design researcher and other members of FoAM: Pix, Evelina Kusaite, Cocky Eek, Theun Karelse and Nik Gaffney and concluded at the GroWorld design session in Brussels on 15th April 2008. | The research started in Brussels and Amsterdam through informal discussions between the producer, FoAM, represented by Maja Kuzmanovic and the design researcher, Sanjeev Shankar. Thereafter, the research base shifted to India where Sanjeev visited the urban villages in New Delhi, Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary in Kerala, the Beulah organic farm in Tamil Nadu, the Rain Forest Retreat in Karnataka and the Krac-A-Dawna biodynamic farm near Mysore. The project has also been benefitted by detailed discussions with Ms. Suprabha Seshan, director of the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary; Dr. Sujata and Anurag Goel, founders of the rain forest retreat and Juli and Vivek Cariappa, founders of the Krac-A-Dawna farm. Further site visits in New Delhi included Sarai_Centre for Social Development Studies; TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute; Khoj_a community of artists and Chandani Chowk_ a 15th century thriving settlement in Old Delhi. In New Delhi, the research was further informed by on-field studies by Sonal Malhotra, a local designer. The research has since proceeded through follow up exchanges between the the design researcher and other members of FoAM: Pix, Evelina Kusaite, Cocky Eek, Theun Karelse and Nik Gaffney and concluded at the GroWorld design session in Brussels on 15th April 2008. The findings of the research were also presented at the Media Ecologies workshop at St. Erme in France. |
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| === India === | |
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| India, which has been traditionally known for its diverse culture and strong traditional agricultural methods is today synonymous for rapid growth and transformation both in rural and urban realms. The nation thrives and lives in both rural and urban areas. New Delhi, situated within the metropolis of Delhi, is the capital of India and provides a dynamic and complex urban setting. Though Delhi continues to be the political and administrative capital of the country, it also plays a crucial part of the global political economic scenario. With a population of over 15 million the city is undergoing massive change. A couple of decades ago the area surrounding the city was mostly agricultural. One could drive out of the city, and quickly enter into a very rural countryside. Today, the situation is different. Now the city is increasingly in the midst of a continuous urban sprawl. Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Gurgaon are now ‘extensions’ to the city, even though they are in other states. The pace of change has been so fast that it is strange to find vegetables and flowers being cultivated below high speed flyovers and in front of emerging shopping malls! Delhi has over 40% of it citizens living in slum like conditions. Often these habitations have been inter-seeped amongst the affluent colonies and have formed the informal service sector. However, over the past decade they are being systematically thrown out. The river banks too were till recently a site for the poor. As demand for scarce land rises, there is an ongoing change in the demographics of residential areas. After a concerted city action in early nineties over 7500 hectares of forest are now legally protected in the city, and through another law, tree cutting needs special permission. Similarly Non Governmental Organisations along with the Courts forced the conversion of public transport from diesel to CNG, a cleaner fuel. At the social and physical level, Delhi remains a historical, multi-layered fragmented city, with each fragment contributing in its own way to the city fabric. Over time, these multiple layers of historicity are expressed through multiple identities and realities. Such multi layered city character is very common in India and creates a complex dynamic within the city. | |
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| This research explores a global perspective of urban gardening and permaculture and ways in which we can contribute to a fertile and healthy city. The focus here is to compare urban gardening in western countries and India. Within India, on one hand it looks at traditional agricultural methods through on-site understanding of centres which have rooted themselves in rural areas; on the other hand it brings into its fold developments and examples from rapidly growing urban centres with the focus being New Delhi. Though, there have been few efforts to address the issue of integrating ecology into an urban realm, these seem to be happening in a fragmented manner and are yet to reach a tipping point. Urban ecology as a field has resulted in the possibility of system level integration, however, in most cases, people fear that an inclusive approach would have a negative impact on 'growth' and their 'comfort'. The thrust of this research and thereby this project is to explore methods to help people contribute to the health of a city in a strategic and decisive manner and thereby direct the benefits arising out of this to improve the situation globally and trigger a positive green domino effect. | This research explores a global perspective of urban gardening and permaculture and ways in which we can contribute to a fertile and healthy city. The focus here is to compare urban gardening in western countries and India. Within India, on one hand it looks at traditional agricultural methods through on-site understanding of centres which have rooted themselves in rural areas; on the other hand it brings into its fold developments and examples from rapidly growing urban centres with the focus being New Delhi. Though, there have been few efforts to address the issue of integrating ecology into an urban realm, these seem to be happening in a fragmented manner and are yet to reach a tipping point. Urban ecology as a field has resulted in the possibility of system level integration, however, in most cases, people fear that an inclusive approach would have a negative impact on 'growth' and their 'comfort'. The thrust of this research and thereby this project is to explore methods to help people contribute to the health of a city in a strategic and decisive manner and thereby direct the benefits arising out of this to improve the situation globally and trigger a positive green domino effect. |
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| At a macro level, this project explores aspects of human environment, its relation with ecology and our attempt for sustainable growth. The research relates to the fields of permaculture, ethnobotany, human plant interaction, urban ecology, situationist psychogeography, open source architecture, sustainability, green design, modular systems and bionics. | At a macro level, this project explores aspects of human environment, its relation with ecology and our attempt for sustainable growth. The research relates to the fields of permaculture, ethnobotany, human plant interaction, urban ecology, situationist psychogeography, open source architecture, sustainability, green design, modular systems and bionics. |
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| | === India === |
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| | India, which has been traditionally known for its diverse culture and strong traditional agricultural methods is today synonymous for rapid growth and transformation both in rural and urban areas. The nation thrives and lives in both rural and urban areas. New Delhi, situated within the metropolis of Delhi, is the capital of India and provides a dynamic and complex urban setting. Though Delhi continues to be the political and administrative capital of the country, it also plays a crucial part of the global political economic scenario. With a population of over 15 million the city is undergoing massive change. A couple of decades ago the area surrounding the city was mostly agricultural. One could drive out of the city, and quickly enter into a very rural countryside. Today, the situation is different. Now the city is increasingly in the midst of a continuous urban sprawl. Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Gurgaon are now ‘extensions’ to the city, even though they are in other states. The pace of change has been so fast that it is strange to find vegetables and flowers being cultivated below high speed flyovers and in front of emerging shopping malls! Delhi has over 40% of it citizens living in slum like conditions. Often these habitations have been inter-seeped amongst the affluent colonies and have formed the informal service sector. However, over the past decade they are being systematically thrown out. The river banks too were till recently a site for the poor. As demand for scarce land rises, there is an ongoing change in the demographics of residential areas. After a concerted city action in early nineties over 7500 hectares of forest are now legally protected in the city, and through another law, tree cutting needs special permission. Similarly Non Governmental Organisations along with the Courts forced the conversion of public transport from diesel to CNG, a cleaner fuel. At the social and physical level, Delhi remains a historical, multi-layered fragmented city, with each fragment contributing in its own way to the city fabric. Over time, these multiple layers of historicity are expressed through multiple identities and realities. Such multi layered city character is very common in India and creates a complex dynamic within the city. |
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| === Research Brief === | === Research Brief === |
| Some of the reasons for this project are given below: | Some of the reasons for this project are given below: |
| * The uncontrolled growth of cities has had a devastating impact on ecology | * The uncontrolled growth of cities has had a devastating impact on ecology |
| * By the end of 2008, half the world's population will be living in cities for the first time in history. (according to UN report) | * By the end of 2008, half the world's population will be living in cities for the first time in history. (according to a UN report) |
| * Cities are becoming increasingly polluted, sterile, unhealthy and disconnected with other life forms, especially plants which have been an integral part of human survival and existence. | * Cities are becoming increasingly polluted, sterile, unhealthy and disconnected with other life forms, especially plants which have been an integral part of human survival and existence. |
| * We have more people hungry every day, more unemployment, rising poverty, increased use of pesticides, herbcides and biocides, deteriorating soil quality and depleting forest cover | * We have more people hungry every day, more unemployment, rising poverty, increased use of pesticides, herbcides and biocides, deteriorating soil quality and depleting forest cover |
| * Co-Ownership of Assets: In Albuquerque, a group of people that live near each other decided to downsize and now own one truck, which is shared by several households. | * Co-Ownership of Assets: In Albuquerque, a group of people that live near each other decided to downsize and now own one truck, which is shared by several households. |
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| * Grafting Fruit Trees: In limited spaces one can still get a variety of fruit, when using a technique of grafting. A desirable variety (early ripening, or developed for storage, etc) is grafted onto an existing rootstock, resulting in trees that bears several types of fruit (now, apples don’t become oranges, but there can be several different apples on the same tree!). | see [[urban permaculture initiatives]] for other examples. |
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| * Worm Composting: A plastic bin with holes can house a family of red wiggler worms, who will be happy to eat your kitchen waste (eliminating it from the urban waste stream), and these critters will make it into good odor-free compost. | |
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| * The BackYard Forester, Los Angeles: A nonprofit organization, TreePeople leads people towards greening the city, restoring watersheds, ecosystems and neigborhoods. People can turn their yard into a wildlife or bird refuge or create an orchard that produces a surplus to share with food banks ,in the process creating an urban forest.((http://www.treepeople.org/)) | |
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| * The Citizen Pruner, New York: People can get trained in tree care and pruning, and be able to take care of trees, whenever and whereever needed.((http://www.treesny.com/)) | |
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| * Chickens in a City: Depending on the location, people may be allowed to keep chickens in their urban yard! The City Chicken - a website, which includes every answer plus city by city listing of regulations for keeping chickens makes this possible!((http://home.centurytel.net/thecitychicken/)) | |
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| === Regional Cultural peculiarities === | === Regional Cultural peculiarities === |
| === 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? 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 ? | An important question considered by the researcher was, what are the growth symbols/patterns in urban areas? Can the challenges in cities be seen as opportunities? How can we come up with design responses which directly impact the situation? This could be related to real estate, construction, mass production, transportation and architecture. As per recent statistics the planet adds 73 million humans to its tally every year!((http://www.worldometers.info)) How can we add 73 trillion plants every year ? |
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| see [[urban permaculture kits]] | see [[urban permaculture kits]] |
| ===Directions=== | ===Directions=== |
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| The author would like to conclude with the following directives: | The idea of growth and sustainability is a journey and not a destination. It is constantly unfolding and evolving. The insights and lessons through this journey go beyond farming. Since, the nature of farming and land is highly interconnected, it affects every aspect of our society. The author would like to conclude with the following directives: |
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| * The need for a gradual shift towards a 'we' and 'us' based culture from a 'me' and 'I' based approach. Collective communities like India, are facing a reverse trend with the recent shift towards an individual based, self serving attitude under the influence of 'growth' and 'progress'. | * The first step is to bring out the connection which exists between a fertile soil and healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy human beings. Land must be safeguarded from the operations of finance and our needs have to be more clearly streamlined. A gradual approach for recovering the land is needed and the benefits of this shared with everyone. |
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| * Concious need for information 'exchange' and collaborations between different cultures and contexts to develop greater self reliance and interdependence. All the time striving for the right balance between clear structures and flexible systems, between small self organised clusters and larger fabrics, between independent points of view and a general concensus. | * The demographic breakdown and scale of impact must be taken into consideration. There is an urgent need for integration. This is extremely crucial in countries like India and Bangladesh, where a large section of the population is poor, illiterate and remains disconnected from the mainstream. |
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| * Links with tradition should involve the use of past processes of change rather than the maintenance of past structures and patterns. We have to constantly reevaluate and revalidate our responses and ideas of 'growth' and 'progress' in such turbulent times. The metaphor of progress and growth must move towards leaving things inside us rather than behind us. | * The most insightful ideas are also the most basic. These can come from any source, independent of age, status and academic background. |
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| * We must constantly strive to create fertile systems which bring culture and nature together. This could be through technology, media or traditional mediums. | * Urban communities should join hands with rural areas to create a prosperous and contented countryside, which inturn would become a great support for our future. |
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| | * Critical focus on agricultural research backed by scientific education, traditional wisdom, aggressive trial and error and practical farming experience. This field needs action. We need spirited individuals willing to do physical work with strategic technical assistance. |
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| | * From an urban farming perspective, personal kitchen gardens seem most effective. They are small, dispersed, diverse, flexible, simple to maintain, easily transformed and directly impact the food situation at a family and community level. They personify the idea of self reliance and feeding ourselves and can be catalysts for larger green initiatives at community, regional level. |
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| | * The need for a gradual shift towards a 'we' and 'us' based culture from a 'me' and 'I' based approach. This is one of the most crucial directives and also one of the most difficult to achieve. In some way, it amounts to tranforming the culture of a place and a group. Collective communities like India, are facing a reverse trend with the recent shift towards a capitalist, individual based, self serving attitude under the influence of 'progress'. This can have serious impact owing to the sheer magnitude of India's population. Spirituality, media and the government can play a purposeful role to check this shift. Ironically, a lot of traditional economies which were based on capitalist ideologies are reflecting on a more holistic, inclusive and sustainable approach. Ideas of 'social capitalism' and 'social entrepreneurship' are hopeful signs. |
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| | * There is a need for information 'exchange' and collaborations between different cultures and contexts to develop a 'greater' system with self reliance and interdependence. Strategic assimilation as a design approach has valid relevance. There needs to be a balance between clear streamlined structures and flexible organic systems; between small self organised clusters and larger fabrics; between independent points of view and a general concensus. |
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| * //comparison of the expected and the achieved results// | * In cultural contexts, links with tradition should involve the use of past processes of change rather than the maintenance of past structures and patterns. We have to constantly reevaluate and revalidate our responses and ideas of 'growth' and 'progress' in such turbulent and recursive times. Such metaphors of progress and growth must move towards leaving things inside us rather than behind us. Having said that, if a thing needs to disintegrate and be left behind, we must let it go and let new systems be born. The aspect of ethics is important in such a situation and should be openly discussed. |
| * //suggestions and comments on the research process and its results// | |
| * //description and suggestions around the collaboration process (if applicable)// | * We must constantly strive to create fertile and diverse systems which bring culture and nature together. This could be through technology, media or traditional mediums. An important example is the use of science and technology through 'e-choupals'in rural Indian villages to increase crop productivity('choupal' is a hindi term for a village gathering place) . |
| * //suggestions for the future work based on the conclusions of the research// | {{:perma109.jpg|}} |
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| | ===Suggestions=== |
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| | The researcher would like to suggest the following threads for the future: |
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| | * Looking at traditional systems of living, farming and education in India which are comparable to permaculture as a holistic approach. The researcher would like to research on Vedanta((http://vedantaworld.org/vedanta.htm)) and other aspects of Indian philosophy. |
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| | * Analysing the attributes of community based approaches in countries like India and how can we create such initiatives in western societies. |
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| | * Rethinking our relationship with other life forms in an infinitely interconnected world. |
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| | * Finding appropriate ways and methods to bring 'ethical' thinking as a core topic in design education and education in general. |
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| | * Creating an **International Platform for Growth and Resilience**, which tinkers towards a more inclusive, collaborative methodology through a system of integration, informed by scientific research, practical experience, randomness, risk and travel. One of the intiatives could be to bring apparently polar groups together to find a common ground. These groups could include men with women; young with old; scientists with traditional farmers; environmentalists with corporate executives; capitalists with social entrepreneurs; secular groups with military regime heads; real estate developers with conservationists; politicians with middle class people; middle class western families with parallel families from the east and so on. At a regional level, the model could work in a bottom up manner with conflicting interest groups being brought together to openly discuss issues. |
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| | * Creating tangible manifestations of human plant interaction to nudge it out of the speculative zone. How would a new relevant design practice emerge through observation of and cooperation with natural systems? The researcher envisions the emergence of a new field of research which merges aspects of urban ecology, design ethnography, cultural anthropology and life science. |
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| | * Ultimately thinking of ways in which we can create conditions that make independent ingeniuos ideas inevitable. |
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| ====References==== | ====References==== |
| * Farming with Nature-A case study of successful temperate Permaculture | * Farming with Nature-A case study of successful temperate Permaculture |
| * Permaculture- Sepp Holzer - Aquaculture-Synergy of Land and Water | * Permaculture- Sepp Holzer - Aquaculture-Synergy of Land and Water |
| * Permaculture- Emilia Hazelip-Synergistic Garden | |
sanjeev