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  • From: "Gaden@ziplip.com" <Gaden@ziplip.com>
  • To: permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [permaculture] Walled Communities
  • Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2003 09:31:03 -0700 (PDT)



Re: Russ Grayson's - "The image described is of the fortunate and affluent
few in ecovillage-type settlements which were, in reality, walled
communities, amid an ocean of the less-affluent living is their dirty,
dangerous, decaying environments. The thing with science-fiction writing is
that it is free to open up alternative vistas so we can ask whether we want
society to move in that direction."


Real life mirroring fiction? An Australian collegue was recently wrote to me
contrasting her impressions of two different ecovillage developments
currently underway. One on the west coast, the other on the east coast.

The west coast ecovillage seemed to have developed elitist proticols right
from the start. Participation of potentially interested individuals was
restricted to those who were quite well cashed up to begin with.

One or two initial public presentations were held to guage interest in the
proposal. All meetings thereafter were closed meetings restricted to those
who paid up a significant 'membership' fee. This was before the village site
had located or any detailed layout plans developed. Other people who didn't
necessarily plan on living there but were willing to provide supportive input
and expertise (other than financial) were discouraged. If you didn't have the
right bank balance, bye bye.

The east coast development, on the other hand, was setting new standards in
community participation and consultation. From early planning stages,
priority was given to maximising the integration of the planned ecovillage
with the nearby township and an existing ecovillage development. Facilities
and layouts were being developed to cater for all groups including older
(elder) members. Input of all kinds were being encouraged.

Ecovillage developments are a healthy sign of things to come. But as a means
of integration, not segregation. Inclusive, not exclusive. Most developments
will draw upon the social resources of surrounding communites. It seems only
reasonable that they should both be co-developed in synchronicity.

Consideration should also be given to 'retrofitting' existing townships,
suburbs etc into more sustainable ecovillage formats. I guess this is
probably similar to Ted Trainer's notions of integrated 'burbs'.

Gaiden



  • [permaculture] Walled Communities, Gaden@ziplip.com, 06/29/2003

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