INTRODUCTION -- What are design patterns?[edit | edit source]
Christopher Alexander (1936-2022) and his several coauthors describe the Pattern Language concepts in their 1977 book, A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction (pp. x-xvi).
Each pattern describes a problem which occurs. . . in our environment, and then describes the core of the solution to that problem. . .. (p. x). The patterns are presented in sequence, based on connections between patterns. Each pattern is connected to certain 'larger' patterns which come above it in the language [sequence]; and to certain 'smaller' patterns which come below it. (p. xii).
Alexander explains, each pattern can be considered "as a hypothesis like one of the hypotheses of science." (p. xv). The objective for each pattern is to describe "the invariant property common to all places which succeed in solving the problem." (p. xiv).
Patterns are structured to include:
- An introductory paragraph, describes the context for the pattern and explains how this pattern helps to complete certain larger (higher level) patterns. (p. x).
- A bold-type headline gives the essence of the problem in one or two sentences. (p. xi).
- The body of the pattern describes the emperical background for the pattern and provides evidence for its validity. (p. xi).
- The "solution" is presented in the form of an instruction, explaining what needs to be accomplished in order to build the pattern. (p. xi).
- A diagram showing the solution, with labels identifying the main components (p. xi).
- A paragraph identifying smaller (lower level) patterns that can be needed to flesh out this pattern, "to embellish it, to fill it out." (p. xi).
In the context of eco-villages and intentional communities, the objective for describing solutions in pattern language form is to help problem solvers with identifying and implementing proven solutions. As this work progresses, one objective can be to identify multiple patterns that can be employed to help achieve rapid progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also helping to restore and regenerate the local environment and ecology.
PRELIMINARY IDEAS ABOUT PROVEN DESIGN PATTERNS FOR ECO-VILLAGES AND INTENTIONAL COMMUNITIES[edit | edit source]
Concepts presented in existing design-pattern sources[edit | edit source]
- Architecture 2030 design palette -- Architecture 2030 and 2030 Districts
- Donut Economics
- Foundation for Intentional Communities
- Global Ecovillage Network
- Global Ecovillage Network, The Ecovillage Impact Assessment
- Global Ecovillage Network, Solution Library -- The Solution Library already includes major topics of Ecology, Economy, and Integral Design. Guidelines describe how new solutions can be offered to this library.
- Global Ecovillage Network, Ecovillage Design Cards -- available in multiple different languages. GEN’s 32 Ecovillage Principles translate into 32 Ecovillage Design Cards. The cards are divided into five groups – four Areas of Regeneration (culture, economy, ecology and social) arranged around one central path of transformation: integral design. [E]ach Ecovillage Design Card is composed of the Ecovillage Principle, the corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and questions of the Ecovillage Impact Assessment (Level 1). [An online] video introduces and presents the SDG Edition of the Ecovillage Design Cards on the Map of Regeneration."
- LivingFuture.org and the Living Building Challenge
- The Natural Step
- PatternLanguage.com
- Pattern Language for a Conservation Economy (also known as Reliable Prosperity)
Novel Ideas arising from this research project[edit | edit source]
- CASCADE OF HEAT
- Whenever thermal energy is needed, for heating or cooling, consider capturing waste heat and use it for productive purposes in sequence from highest temperature to lower temperature, in multi-step processes that can take advantage of available temperatures and quantities of heat. High efficiency heat pumps and heat pipes can be used to concentrate thermal energy and move it (within reasonable distances) from one place to another.
- Examples of the pattern in use:
- FLEXIBLE ENERGY SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
- Matching variable output supplies (e.g. from solar and wind energy) with variable energy demands, so that total community infrastructure and user costs are minimized. Depending on local laws, rules, and regulations, options may include: Energy Communities, Behind-the-meter (BTM) Energy Systems, Off-grid Energy Systems, and Virtual Power Plants.
- SunConnect.org, Top Findings from Why Off-Grid Energy Matters 2024 [Electronic article, March 2024]: https://sun-connect.org/top-findings-from-why-off-grid-energy-matters-2024/
- BTM equipment and systems manufacturers
- Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), Member Product Showcase, https://www.gogla.org/member-product-showcase/
- Litheli. https://litheli.com/
- Matching variable output supplies (e.g. from solar and wind energy) with variable energy demands, so that total community infrastructure and user costs are minimized. Depending on local laws, rules, and regulations, options may include: Energy Communities, Behind-the-meter (BTM) Energy Systems, Off-grid Energy Systems, and Virtual Power Plants.
- INTEGRATED LOCAL FOOD-ENERGY-WATER SYSTEMS.
- Adaptations for a destabilizing climate: indoor agriculture. Forest gardens. Tower gardens. Permaculture. Biochar. Etc.
- WASTE EQUALS FOOD
