The Design Process
It is important for the people at the core of a Permaculture Project to understand that it is tailored to their objectives and skills. Another essential aspect is that a Permaculture Design project exists in two dimensions, space and time.
The project is meant to change and evolve into a complex matrix, defined not only by the elements themselves, but also the links between. Only YOU can help your project reach its full potential, it is thus important to understand what lies ahead.
1 – Walk’n’Talk
It’s on the ground that every project starts: meeting the client, seeing the landscape, assessing the possibilities. Careful observation and communication are the foundation on which we build together, Designer and Client.
The wishes and needs of the Client need to be assessed while present on site. Questions of both Designer and Client can find answers in the geological patterns present on site, and through biological indicators.
Modern technology, both on a micro and macro level, allow the Designer to better prepare for the project, but the site itself holds the keys to unlocking its potential en route to a regenerative ecological project.
2 – Draw’n’Sketch
Observations and questions that are discussed while visiting with the Client become research subjects. Permaculture is deeply rooted in observing Natural Phenomena and aligning with the Processes of Nature.
In front of the Drawing Board, the Designer gathers as much data as possible about both the site and the surrounding area, in order to come up with a Conceptual Design. This proposal focuses more on Elements and Functions.
Each Function is performed by several elements, and each Element performs several Functions. The true value of a Project lies in the positive interactions possible and the resilience this build into the system.
3 – Refine’n’Define
This is a decisive stage of the project. Designer and Client once again meet, and this time with a clear focus on finding balance.
Balance between present and future, between principle and directive and between ideas and actions.
It’s about understanding how potential can turn into certainty. About how a design intention can turn into a clearly defined strategy to reach its potential. And most importantly, about how Designer and Client can work together to achieve success.
4 – Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk
It is time to get down to business. The Project starts taking shape through an Implementation process that can be as long as 3, 5 or even 10 years.
Skills, budget and time availability are determining factors in the planning of the earthworks, the planting or the construction which are included in the Design documents provided prior.
The approach of Permaculture is to Observe and Interact. Throughout the Process, the plan needs to be adjusted and tailored to the living and non-living elements. All the relationships are dynamic, and the final goal is to achieve a closed loop system, where the Client is the Steward and Beneficiary of all forms of life.
2 – Draw’n’Sketch
Observations and questions that are discussed while visiting with the Client, become research subjects. Permaculture is deeply rooted in observing natural phenomena and aligning with the processes of Nature.
In front of the drawing board, the Designer gathers as much data as possible about both the site and the surrounding area, in order to come up with a conceptual Design. This proposal focuses more on elements and functions.
Each function is performed by several elements, and each element performs several functions. The true value of a Project lies in the positive interactions possible and the resilience this builds into the regenerative ecosystem.
4 – Talk the Talk & Walk the Walk
It is time to get down to business. The Project starts taking shape through an implementation process that can be as long as 3, 5 or even 10 years.
Skills, budget and time availability are determining factors in the planning of the earthworks, the planting or the construction which are explained in the Design documents provided.
The fundamental of Permaculture is to observe and interact. Throughout the Process, the plan needs to be adjusted and tailored to the living and non-living elements. All the relationships are dynamic, and the final goal is to achieve a closed loop regenrative system, where the Client is the steward and beneficiary of many forms of life.
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