Design ProcessJono Nieger

(Continued)

DESIGN STAGING AND INSTALLATION

First, install elements that regenerate and create energy

Second, install elements that conserve energy

Lastly, install elements that use energy

(Mollison)

General staging sequence

In what order do you install the design? This can be important as, for instance, you could install trees first in an area where you now need to bring in materials and heavy material for building something. Or you could forget to include space for a road that will give you access to some areas of the site. To stage a design, think through access for the various things you want to do, and also what you will need to maintain and the time that will take (like watering trees or caring for animals). The below sequence is often successful but may not be practical for every site. Staging can be non-linear sometimes as well. “It depends!” Think it through! There is no substitute for personal observation and interaction with the site and client.

Temp housing if there is none and it's needed

Flow lines for installation process (access, transport, energy distribution, etc. Don’t start tearing up earth until you know how you will get materials/vehicles/equipment in and around site.)

Earthworks

Water catchment and control

Soil building

Support plants - green manures, canopy, living mulch, etc

Structures (chicken coops, animal shelter, fencing)

Irrigation

Food plants

Retrofit existing structures for energy efficiency (should be done at a time when access is maximized - if installing plants interferes with access, do this beforehand)

Build 2nd phase new structures (permanent human housing, community center, etc. This should also be done before adding elements that will interfere with construction access or would be damaged by construction)

Animals (we tend to put them late in the process because they tend to need a lot of daily attention - but, it depends!)

Keep observing and tweak system as needed throughout the process

OVERVIEW/REVIEW OF DESIGN TOOLS

To the degree you understand these tools and can use them, you will become a better and more efficient designer. Keep these handy and use them during the design process. Remember, design from macro/big picture to micro/detail. Ensure your big picture elements work before you get into details about the design.

Context:Permaculture principles and ethics

Permaculture flower

Data:Client interview - goals finding/Holistic Context as part of this

Site survey and analysis Sectors

Base map

Design Tools:

Design processPermaculture principles, ethics, and flowerPatterns and pattern language

Needs and resources integrationZones and sectors

Large set of tools available for each flower petal (soil building, plant selection, invisible structure tools, etc)

Design Report:

Visual depiction of site elements

Design report format (facilitates design process)Staging/sequence program

Remember, successful permaculture design is dependent upon deep observation, relationships, feedback loops, and non-linear process.

- Ethan Roland, Jono Nieger

2.4.6. Design Staging and Installation

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