Designing with Permaculture

Just recently I had lunch with Justine, a fifth year student who lives near my place. He is doing his thesis this semester and we got to talk about it. I was particularly interested in the topic because we share a common concern: permaculture. My own thesis deals with permaculture as well.

Their client wants to set up a permaculture institute in their four-hectare property in Carcar, Cebu. The site is along the coast and has a dense mangrove area. In the proposed facility, people get to learn about permaculture through lectures and workshops.

The clients, however, added an interesting twist in their requirements. They wanted to involve artists in promoting permaculture. They intend to invite artists to learn or teach permaculture and create art that promotes the practice. To do this they also intend to set up an artist residency facility within the permaculture institute. This facility will operate as an artist club of sort.

As designers, Justine and his thesis partner, Nigel, should be able to add value to their client's requirements through their architectural solution. They should also be able to make their design respond harmoniously to the constraints of the site. Finally, they should be able to show that urban development and permaculture are compatible. These are the challenges presented to them by their coordinators, advisers, and client.

How will the design contribute in promoting permaculture? How will the design respond to the constraints of the site? How will design show that permaculture is not retrogressive?

If they manage to answer these questions they would not have any trouble passing their thesis. It would be interesting to know their solution. I hope I get to post it here when they finish.

Good luck guys!