Appropriate Technology

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <venaurafarm AT bellsouth.net>]

On 2/10/2011 4:09 PM, K. M. Oliver wrote:
> This sounds pretty good at the first reading; however, upon thinking
> about this a bit further, I could see some potential problems.  In
> this "community garden" set-up, it would seem to me that it would
> have to be mandated from the very beginning just exactly what could
> be grown as well as what type of seeds could be planted and how they
> are cared for.  Say, for instance, I want quality nutritious veggies,
> so I'm painstakingly growing an all-organic no-chemicals-added
> garden, and the neighbor wants quantity eye-candy-type plants, so he
> puts in GMO seeds and sprays away.  I would not be a happy camper in
> that situation.  To have to spell all this out in a contract-type
> situation would, in my opinion, negate a lot of the benefits, such as
> the peacefulness of the garden itself, and would seem rather
> restrictive.  I admit, I didn't have time to read the whole long
> article, but this would be a first major concern.  The idea, though,
> sounds really good.  The problem would be that not everyone thinks
> the same.

Did you look at the .pdf & its landscape architectural renderings?
If not you're missing a clearer view of what this thing is all about.
Myself, I just pooled at the renderings and assumed one would naturally 
max out one's finest permaculture and landscape designs/plans/systems
without regard for any "neighborhood or community covenants shouls they 
exist"; kind of homeowner-planter's anarchy, as is commonplace most 
places anyway, you do what you want on your own property EXCEPT use any
environmentally harmful substances i.e. herbicides or pesticides. I 
_assumed_ that their plan was, from the start, 
organic/natural/sustainable/regenerative/biointensive in every respect 
through and throughout their plan from start to finish for perpetuity. I 
have not read all the text so may is says differently. If so then they 
will simply have to make some necessary changes, eh? :-)


On 2/10/2011 5:21 PM, Linda Ray wrote:
> I agree with Kris' excellent point. The description there sounds like 
a Planned
> Urban Development to me.

It is mega light years beyond anything I have ever seen. It is new age 
Capability Brown on steroids and superfood. It is one of the most 
inspiring concepts I have ever run across...and has almost infinite 
potential. Paolo Solerit one one things, Oneill's Space Colonies are 
another, this is in the real here and now.

> While I am glad to see that someone's working out a plan for the type 
of folks
> who will want that kind of thing, I personally am one of those 
independent types
> who would not tolerate community control of my property by factors 
external to
> myself.
>
> IMHO providing the knowledge and expertise to accomplish Edible 
Landscaping
> wherever you are would be far more harmonious in any urban environment.

I assumed that would be a built in factor in their plan, everything to 
do with edible landscapes and forest gardens and home and community food 
production, in spades.

> JMHO.
>
> Still I am glad to read of this idea's existence, and I do think it 
would be a
> good idea to flesh out. This will be perfect for some people. I'm 
just not one
> of 'em.

Yes, to add some ideas to their original concept:

You;re potentially dealing with lots of land and many people, thus many
community and village units, towns, if you will. I could go on for hours 
about this. I have hands on expertise with some of the things I think 
they ought to incorporate into their plan.
1) Keep it simple
2) Waste not, be frugal, recycle, reuse, regenerate, conserve
3) Standardize, wherever possible all aspects of dwelling and building 
construction, water management, sewer and sanitation and energy 
acquisition, generation, distribution and usage

As for 3):

Building materials:
1-AAC block and panels for insulation, floor, walls and possibly roof
2-Eco-friendly non toxic pressure treated lumber
3-Prepainted, galvanized contoured metal panels for roofing and siding
4-Masonry products for interior (thermal storage) and exterior (no 
maintenance & very sturdy and durable) walls, decorative, load bearing 
and structural
5-High strength concrete for structural elements, grade beam 
foundations, floors: interior and exterior
6-Masonry and ceramic products for floors and walls, kitchens and baths

How many of these could be made on site or in plants/factories located 
in reasonable proximity to urban areas within a region, to reduce cost 
and shipping

Set up an accompanying NPSPMDN that these urban 
areas/communities/villages could be an integral part of:
National Product and Services Production, Marketing and Distribution Network

I have more ideas to submit after a break for a glass of mineral water...