The initial P's.

Layout of the steps past and present.

Philosophy:

Commune: derived from the Latin root "communis", meaning "sharing". For a definition definition and good overview of communes and intentional communities look here.

40 years ago the hippies established communes centered around freedom - free minds and free love. What it was based on I'm not sure, probably on communism, kibutzim and indian ashrams. Perhaps also on the village life of not-so-ong-ago. The 'experimant' didn't always last long but with todays improved mobility and communication I believe the time of the small village is once again or still at hand.

I too experience the city life to be lacking in many aspects:

• Socially the extended family has split apart. Young and old do not live together anymore.
• People living close to each other have very little contact.
• Cities are bcoming more polluted it.o. air, food, noise, light.
• Many other beings, animals and plants, have no place in cities anymore.
• Open spaces are dissapearing.
• the stars, and therefore one of man's views on a bigger perspective, is al but gone.

Of course cities have many advantages but i think there are more balanced and sustainable ways to achieve them.

Step1: Potential, idea, desire:

My dream is to buy a large enough property in a peaceful the country area so that around 5 compact separate dwellings/households can be accomodated on it along with a communal building/area and small plot of shared agricultural land. The layout and design will loosely be based on the area in context, permaculture principles, renewable energy sources and intelligent design i.t.o energy. It would be preferable if the communalists are from various ages.

Follow the link to see a more detailed specification of commune dream

Step 2: Preparation, People and cash:

Researching other similar projects. Finding possible locations. Review property with 'experts'. Finding at least 2 other interested co-creators. Acquisition of the necessary capital.

Step 3: Plans, propety and formal guidelines:

Drawing up of legal documents. Getting local authority approval. Architectural and engineering assistance. Drawing up of water, disposal, energy, house plans.

Step 4: Implementation:

Buying the property. start with construction.

Links to similar projects:

• The Fellowship for Intentional Community
• Oasis Design Home/Office. Ecological Systems Design - greywater systems, treatment & reuse
• Types of comunities
• Berg-en-Dal dryland permaculture eco-village
• Findhorn village
• Directory of Intentional Communities and Ecovillages in Europe
• Bill Metcalf on dynamics of Intentional Communities

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