Hannah, Haley, Mickey
"We are on a quest, individually and collectively, to create wholeness within ourselves and within all of our life, to find it within ourselves and to release it-a process of communion and education. What is created will not be separation, conflict and diversity among peoples and the land, but wholeness, oneness, peace, a new earth for humankind that reflects the oneness and wholeness of the earth and the land that has always been." David Spangler
When we first started thinking about what we wanted to create we were really excited about making some kind of space that incorporated outdoor classrooms as well as gardens where people could learn by hands on experience. We wanted a space where students as well as members of the community could come to learn about how to grow their own food and other different regenerative methods of living. We decided it would be even better if we could create a design that could be used almost anywhere, a garden that could be created even if there wasn’t much space for it. Which is what led us to the idea of creating a community garden on a rooftop.
Permaculture Design for Rooftop Garden
Haley & Hannah collaborating in the sunshineOur idea ended up being a design for a productive garden, with a yield, that for the most part created no waste and used barely any energy on an urban school rooftop.
The fact that the gap between children and the natural world, especially in intercity schools, is increasing more and more every day is scary. We think it’s really important for schools to have a space where people can learn how to grow their own food, and work in the soil, but also a place to just be outside surrounded by plants where people can work together to create something. We liked the idea of having this community space on top of a school building because that way kids could have daily classes outside, but also their could be free classes for parents, and community members that wanted to participate. The food grown could go directly into the cafeteria or to local families. Growing up in this ever progressive and technological world, it is not about eliminating technology completely but finding that balance between plugging in and the greater natural system with which we are utterly interdependent. A few articles that highlight urban farming and community spaces:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/dining/17roof.html?pagewanted=all http://www.organicgardening.com/living/why-school-gardens-matter |
Highlighted Aspects:
Rainwater Catchment System Veggie Patch- Raised Beds Herb Garden Shade Structure Solar Panels Compost System Hoop House Fruit Trees Learning Space Permaculture Design for PC RooftopFor our Prescott College design we wanted to create a space where people could work with others, teach, learn, get excited about fresh food, explore and be outside.
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