Skyskraper Farms: Visionary Sustaianble Thinking or Pure Fantasy?

Califia has become more well known among Bay Area sustainability circles. Esp since the Digital Be-In Organizers have be the same folks promoting Califia. Scott Fossel’s presentation at the Be-In 15 was definitely compelling as it featured many clever and breathtaking urban city visions.

Based on the Arcology model put forward by Paolo (Soleri) of Arcosanti, Califia offers one possible urban EcoCity model for the Bay Area that has recently been supported by EcoCity Builder’s Richard Register.

Francis Frick’s South China Arcology was inspired by Soleri’s Arcology vision as was featured on the Urban Agriculture website. In a similar vien the Vertical Farm /a> is a very indepth look at some of the design and technology that would go into creating a farm in a dense urban environment claiming to address many of the serious fuel and supply chain issues that threaten to imperil the modern city in an unprecedented way if the worst Peak Oil scenarios come true. The site’s has been getting a lot of buzz lately. Someone recently mentioned seeing it on the BBC News website and I first became aware of it at the gLiving Blog/Ezine.

Permie Burners Wanted to make most of Burning Man 2007 Theme “Green Man and Sustainability”

I have been receiving a deluge of information about this year’s Burning Man event. Most recently the progressive/sustainability/permaculture personality Star Hawk posted something about it in the Permaculture SF discussion group that seemed particularly compelling and fun:

2007 Burning Man Theme: “Green Man and Sustainability”

The Opportunity: Star Hawk says that “some of us from Earth Activist Training see this as an opportunity to share information and education with an amazing, creative and wild bunch of people.

The Challenge: Bring permaculture to an environment that’s basically a flat dust pan under blazing sun, racked by fierce windstorms? How do we demonstrate sustainability in an inherently unsustainable situation? And above all, look hip and cool while we do it? (Cool will especially be a challenge.)
The eco-Burning Man folks are applying for a display space in the central pavilion which will surround the man. Star Hawk mentioned some ideas for an interactive display—a kind of walk-through permaculture design course

The Concept: The “EcoBus” will be the central convergence point and command center for this effort. It will serve as a mobile permaculture demonstration site and will be a truly innovative multipurpose facility with solar panels, graywater and composting toilets, shade structures, and be equipped to cook for crowds, show inspiring videos and powerpoints, provide shade or outdoor shelter, and sleep a few intrepid presenters.

What they have: “lots of photos, graphics, and even some funds.”

What they need: “your artistic and graphic design talent, your carpentry skills, and/or just your time and energy to do some of the work.”

Participate: discussion list at eatecobus@lists.riseup.net. Sign up by emailing eatecobus-subscribe@lists.riseup.net, and putting ‘subscribe’ in the subject line.

July 3 – 12 Regenerative Design Institute’s Natural Building workshop at the Commonweal Garden

I have been meaning to check out more about the Regenerative Design Institute is planning a Natural Building workshop at the Commonweal Garden.

Professional natural builders and instructors featured at the event include: Michael Smith and Janine Bjornsen, a presentation from Darrel DeBoer, bamboo architect extraordinaire, and the Kleiwerks West Team of Marisha Farnsworth and Kevin Rowell.

Marisha and Kevin are professional natural builders who have been
working all over the world. They will be bringing amazing bamboo
builder friends from Costa Rica, Martin and Grace Coto, who will be
teaching bamboo construction during the workshop.

They also will have delicious organic food prepared by chef Carin McKay and music around the campfire.