How Permaculture change my way of designing any space
I began my design journey in architecture school, where I honed my mastery of Architecture and urbanism.
However, I sensed a void in my path. To be honest, modern architecture and cities started to feel overwhelming.
By chance, I discovered Feng Shui and underwent training and practice in various locations. Then, one day, my mission became crystal clear: "Design to care."
This revelation gave me every reason to immerse myself further as an architect, creating sanctuaries and spaces where people can deeply connect with nature.
What is Permaculture
Permaculture is a design system that aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient human habitats by following nature's patterns and principles. It encompasses various disciplines such as agriculture, architecture, and ecology to develop regenerative and resilient systems. Permaculture promotes practices that minimize waste, conserve resources, and support biodiversity. Its core principles include observing and interacting with natural ecosystems, valuing renewable resources, and integrating rather than segregating elements within a system. Ultimately, permaculture seeks to foster harmonious relationships between people, the environment, and other living organisms.
Principles of Permaculture
Permaculture, a design system that aims to create sustainable human habitats, is guided by a set of principles. These principles, as outlined by co-founders Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, serve as a framework for designing systems that are resilient, diverse, and regenerative. Here are the key principles of permaculture:
1. Observe and Interact
This principle emphasizes the importance of carefully observing natural patterns and interactions within ecosystems before making any interventions. By understanding these dynamics, we can design systems that work in harmony with nature.
2. Catch and Store Energy
Permaculture seeks to harness and store energy in various forms, such as sunlight, water, and organic matter. By capturing and utilizing these resources, we can minimize waste and create sustainable energy cycles.
3. Obtain a Yield
A central principle of permaculture is to ensure that systems provide for the needs of people. This involves designing for productivity and obtaining useful yields while also ensuring the long-term health of the environment.
4. Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
Systems should be designed to self-regulate and adapt based on feedback from the environment. This principle encourages thoughtful planning and ongoing monitoring to maintain balance and resilience.
5. Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services
Permaculture promotes the use of renewable resources and the enhancement of natural ecosystems to meet human needs. This involves prioritizing renewable energy, recycling organic materials, and supporting biodiversity.
6. Produce No Waste
The aim is to design systems where every output serves as an input for another element. By minimizing waste and creating closed-loop systems, permaculture seeks to achieve sustainability and resource efficiency.
7. Design from Patterns to Details
This principle encourages starting with the big-picture patterns of nature and society before focusing on specific elements. By understanding larger patterns, we can create holistic and integrated designs.
8. Integrate Rather than Segregate
Permaculture emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a system. By integrating diverse components, such as plants, animals, and structures, we can create mutually beneficial relationships and enhance resilience.
9. Use Small and Slow Solutions
Small-scale, slow, and thoughtful interventions are often more effective and sustainable than large-scale, rapid changes. This principle encourages thoughtful, incremental changes that allow for careful observation and adaptation.
10. Use and Value Diversity
Diversity in ecosystems, species, and cultures provides strength and resilience. Permaculture aims to celebrate and promote diversity to create robust and adaptable systems.
These principles offer a foundational guide for designing sustainable human environments and are continually adapted and applied to a wide range of contexts around the world.