Multi Generational Settlement

Transcription

1 Multi Generational Settlement

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3 Preface How everything started for many years we have been active in the ecological field and our love for nature and all creatures was and is the driving motivation in our everyday lives. The question which increasingly came to the surface was: how can areas of life such as organic cultivation, regenerative power generation, social competency be sustainably realised and continually practised? The inspiration of a book encouraged us to formulate the idea of a new way of living together, an idea which had already been ever present within us: globally new multi-generational settlements should be built by the inhabitants themselves, each operating 200 garden estates - collective living and working together is the aim. And how does one put this idea into practice? In February 2006 we organised a meeting of like-minded people and thanks to a very positive response we established the Förderverein zur Gründung der Mehrgenerationensiedlung Anastasia e.v. in September of the same year. The members of the society formed groups depending on their interests and competencies, and within a year of our hard work the idea became a collective vision. You are holding the result of our work in your hands in the form of a brochure. The first dialogues with governors and sponsors encouraged us. Our concept was consistently regarded as realistic and was responded to with good will. A responsible handling of nature without abstaining from comfort is possible! For this, responsibility and tolerance is necessary. Through the change of a few habits, everyone can return more to Mother earth than they take. Reinhold Groß and Inge Moser We invite you to take in and contemplate the following pages. Maybe you want to meet us personally, to help us or even wish to become a neighbour in a multi-generational settlement... -Initiators-

4 I n t r o d The People We are a group of about 150 members (September 2007) of a Germany-wide foundation (established in September 2006). The purpose of this group is the planning and realization of a multi-generational residential development. As such we are uniting our occupational and multidisciplinary competencies, to form a network where various work groups are managing the base of this new project. This we will be introducing to you in this brochure. The idea is living, working, learning, art etc. in a socio-ecological environment - across the generations, with personal responsibility and tolerance, and without any political or religious background - this is our aim. Our intention is to set an example for living in harmony with nature whilst still making use of modern technology. For this we require sponsors, and around 400 ha (~1,000 acres) of land. The Settlement Each of the 200 multi-generational families (children, parents, grandparents) will live on one hectare (~2.5 acres) of land. These garden estates, with a self-sufficient character, The Garden Estates Each garden estate is divided into three sections. A third of each estate will be planted with forest, the second third will be used for garden and the final third will provide building plots for the erection of permanent buildings built along ecological guidelines. Each building will have access to energy, water and communication facilities. Reed beds will be used for water recycling, and a downstream pond will be available for fire safety needs. Each estate is bordered by a living fence, which will provide essential habitats for wildlife. The Centre form the basis of the settlement and provide a private retreat. A further 150 hectares (~375 acres) will be utilized for organic farming and agricultural activities in order to provide the settlement with crops, cereals, milk and cheese. Finally, the remaining 50 hectares (~125 acres) will house a settlement centre and a commercial centre ( eco-valley ), as well as the infrastructure of streets and paths, which will be implemented in an unobtrusive and landscape conserving manner. The centre will provide the settlement with many essential facilities and amenities as well as leisure activities. Essential facilities provided include a first-aid station and health centre, educational facilities and local supplies in the form of an organic department store. Furthermore you will find cultural meeting places with activities for the elderly, a guest house and restaurant and a themed and creative garden. The centre will welcome the inhabitants of the settlement as well as visitors from outside. The centre aims to provide a dynamic interaction and exchange between the residents a living example of a true community.

5 u c t i o n The School Energy A state-approved private school (comprehensive school, classes 1 to 12, primary and secondary school I and II) will utilise the latest reforms and concepts in the educational field. Following the suggestions of the OECD* and German educational council, this school does not impose any grades, controls or repetitions of classes. The school s aims are the encouragement of learning and maintaining the child s curiosity, forming the basis for life-long learning and knowledge exchange. The settlement will be carbon neutral. This will be achieved through an intelligent energy management, as well as utilisation of all existing and feasible regenerative techniques. Following the example of the EWS Schönau (innovative German electricity provider), we want to have full control and ownership of the electricity grids. Each estate is obliged to provide an area for energy generation so that the supply of the community and shared facilities is ensured. Agriculture Water Organic principles and guidelines form the foundation of this project. Animal welfare, diversity in cultivation of plants, soil re-naturalisation and the promotion of indigenous plants are but a few examples of the principles of this concept. Integration of natural cycles, sustainability through rainwater harvesting, and an own source such as well, are all goals of the project. The treated water runs above ground through ditches into the settlement s lake and from there into the next stream or river. *OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development We all are able to cause changes on earth. It just depends on the power of thoughts and the strength of will.

6 P l a n o f a The multi-generational settlement, consisting of 200 garden estates, was planned with a land register map of scale 1 : each garden estate is accessible by vehicles (for first-aid vehicles amongst others). Exact proportions and area requirements can be calculated as this terrain actually exists. The model plan helps to create a model cost calculation with real total building costs. An interlinked provision and disposal system and the corresponding challenges are financially estimated through the planning. The existing infrastructure was also taken into account and the streets and buildings integrated. The surrounding areas are forests, meadows and agricultural areas. Through dead-end roads, it is possible that the forest areas of the estates are directly linked to the surrounding forest. Forest bands of an m (~ yds) width are present all across the settlement. The main country road is fitting to be the main supply axis for the settlement, is suitable for heavy goods vehicles. It is maintained by the state. Winter service is also warranted. All the other roads or paths do not have an asphalt surface but are paved, so that

7 S e t t l e m e n t The total area requirements lie at hectares (950 1,075 acres), or in other words, an average of ~4,800,000 sq. yards (1.54 sq. miles). In the centre of the butterfly one can find a school, kindergarten, gym, meeting place, seminar hall, community centre, market hall, recreational centre, catering service/restaurant, art studio and cultural areas, as well as a guest service for visitors and trial residents... The eight surfaces parallel to the mid-axis, four on each side along the main road, are commercial areas (an ecovalley ) where, for example, the recycling station is integrated. Here innovative technology and traditional handicrafts will provide work places - living and working are closely connected to each other. We invite the inhabitants of the surrounding area to work with and next to us, to visit our weekly market, to sell selfproduced goods, to benefit from our wide range of services for people of all ages, or to enjoy art and culture with us... Planning: Planungsbüro Dieter Küfner, Design: Melanie Burghardt

8 P l a n o f a G a

9 r d e n E s t a t e Let us have a closer look at a garden estate now! In the scale 1 : 500, the butterfly plan to a garden estate. The site is about 78 m (~85 yds) wide and about 152 m (~166 yds) long. Dividing the area in three, it arranges it into each 1/3 forest, 1/3 garden area, and 1/3 building plots. The transition into the forest is so smooth that a connected forest area is formed, in which wild animals can move around freely. Along this border, high forest is present which slopes into a low forest and finally into bushes at the division into the family estates. From this the living fence with a great diversity of bush species will be established. A 3 m (~3.3 yds) wide strip, 1.5 m (~1.64 yd) from each plot, between the garden estates will enable a lane to be formed which will serve as a transition zone. Within each estate, the residents can cultivate vegetables, herbs and flowers, as well as plant a meadow with fruit trees, carry out small-animal husbandry, keep bee hives or pursue any other suitable interests. The building allotments have an area of about 3000 m² (~3.600 sq. yards) per estate and are designated to houses and outbuildings. For example, if there is a lot coverage of 0.2, then it means that about 600 m² (~720 sq. yards) per estate will be allowed to be built on (maximum two and a half stories). The different generations will live in a big house- or in several small houses. In the example here, a family house with a shed and a cottage reserved for the oldest generation is pictured. Breathing, feel good houses made from building materials optimal for both health and environment are more important to us than just energy-saving houses. Within 3-5 years following the estate and land distribution, the permanent buildings will be completed without gaps in the structure forming a lively neighbourhood. The houses will be made of wood, straw and clay and stone, and will be individually designed. Waste water treatment plants using reeds and a fish pond with water quality good enough for swimming serve as open water areas within the settlement. The spill over will flow into brooks and infiltration ditches along the streets. At a subterranean level the water emerges directly from the ground. Another separate storm water reservoir and a small treatment plant will be located in the ground in which the domestic sewage is treated. A power station in the area of the drive-in will be situated under ground as well. Here electricity and heat are conceived for the house and an excess is given to public buildings, neighbors or is fed into the integrated network. Here I am Man, here dare it to be! (Goethe)

10 L i v i n g S e t t l e Tradition is the bark on the trunk of the nation Should it be peeled, the trunk must wither and the country loses the conception of itself. (Sepp Schürer)

11 m e n t C e n t r e In our multi-generational settlement, the life of the individual is closely connected to that of the whole community. In order to allow for real connection among the inhabitants they will have to practice a constant and lively information exchange between one another. For this reason holidays and celebrations used to be a very important part of village life. Here conflicts and dissensions could be directly addressed and solved. For this we are creating a living settlement centre where, amongst other things, the fundamental concept of a harmonic co-existence can be realized in a functional and non bureaucratic way. Our settlement centre offers the following basic services: Administration Settlement council Health centre Guest house Gastronomy Space for group activities Park with pond Green weekly market Eco-department store and supply of services (Post, etc.) Club activities Administration: The use and aim of the administration is to carry out administrative matters in a transparent way. Minimalism in this area is our goal. Settlement council: Taking into consideration all prioritized interest areas of the settlement, the council solves acute problems by means of a compatible orientation. Health centre: Our health centre offers qualified services from acupuncture to dental treatments. This will include general traditional medicine as well as treatments following a more holistic approach. Guest house: The guest house will offer both holiday or single night retreats. It will have a hotel character and will also provide the opportunity to get acquainted with the estate or even test-inhabit a family home estate. Gastronomy: The motto of this offer will be pleasure in peace with a rich seasonal and regional menu as well as good wines and beers and lagers. Space for group activities: Whether audio or visual activities, whether holidays or traditional celebrations... here people meet in a good atmosphere. Park with pond: Within this park a themed creative garden will be created. It will aim to be an inspiration for our many visitors, as well as a place of creativity. Green weekly market: Here products are offered, which were cultivated in the settlement or produced by hand. Vendors from the surrounding area will supplement the range of offers. Eco-department store: All things required for daily needs and services: from producer to customer- in a direct path. Club Activities: Voluntary fire brigade, music association and sports club are offered in our settlement, as well as new forms of club activities. Finally... A settlement centre serves the people and therefore its central success factor is determined by the people who will serve it. This is why we want to celebrate special occasions as often as possible in our settlement centre, as well as stay acquainted with traditions.

12 S c h o o l o f L i f e / When we take a seed or for example, a chestnut, then - when the conditions and environment are favorable - from this small chestnut, a mighty tree will grow. Everything that is required for this chestnut to grow, is provided at birth. This chestnut does not go to school, but still remembers everything that is necessary to become a magnificent and strong tree. And in this way, it fulfills its natural purpose. Apart from the assumption, that humans are the living beings with the greatest potential for consciousness, it would be more than logical to assume that infants bring the inborn knowledge into this world, to turn themselves into magnificent and strong adults. The universe is a university, the world a school. Education the bridge between heaven and earth. And exactly this is the aim of our school of life. We want to see independently growing children who realize themselves as a part of the universe - being destined for putting cosmic principles of life on earth into practice.

13 E d u c a t i o n Pa r k The Instruction The children will complete the tuition in direct cooperation with the tutors (teachers). The children will learn across age groups, from and with each other. The commercial services of the settlement will provide internship places - this way essential skills for later professional life will be honed and vital experience will be provided. Moreover during the work experience mathematics, physics and other subjects, will be practically applied. The students can at any point survey their knowledge in tests. The daily update of a learning diary can replace the giving of grades. People speaking mother-tongues can support the children from the start in the playful learning of their languages. Outside the academic timetable, activities such as games, conferences and theatre performances as well as electives such as astronomy will be offered. The school s aims are the encouragement of learning and maintaining the child s curiosity, forming the basis for life-long learning and knowledge exchange. Teachers, Students, Parents Children spend most of their time at home and only a small part of their day at school. Parents carry a large responsibility, and exchange between teachers and parents are essential. To be a teacher is a vocation. The whole work of the development of human values and the general academic knowledge will be concentrated on an integral, healthy development of the personality of the individual concerned. The School Our state-approved private school (comprehensive school, classes 1 to 12, primary and secondary school I and II) will utilise the latest reforms and concepts in the educational field. Following the suggestions of the OECD* and German educational council, this school does not impose any grades, controls or repetitions of classes. *OECD: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

14 A g r i c u l t u r e a n d With heart and mind on our own land.

15 S e l f - s u f f i c i e n c y The concept of having a self sufficient garden estate originated from our own desire to live in a healthy, balanced and unspoiled environment. The garden estate creates optimal conditions for this: The forest provides us with fuel and later on with building materials. Our 80 ha (200 acres) of forest area are an ecological biotope and a valuable oxygen provider. The forest areas will be put together as much as possible so that animals have as much room as is viable. For the initial control of the ecological balance, the hunting rights remain with the settlement. Our hopes for the future lie in the re-introduction of lynxes and other wild animals so that the control will occur in a natural manner. will be permitted on the estate but should not exceed the own requirements. Bee keeping is desired and from ecological standpoints manageable. For example, to keep a cow in a species appropriate and ecological manner, it needs (food, sanitation) one hectare (~2.5 acres) of land on its own. From forests, meadows with fruit trees, as well as vegetable, herb and fruit gardens, oases are formed, in which inhabitants can find peace and rejuvenation. The garden land will provide us with fruits and vegetables. A flower garden offers opportunities for retreat and regeneration. The cultivation of the estate will follow the guidelines of organic farming and horticulture (e.g. Bioland and Demeter). Natural cycles are promoted through permaculture, three-field crop rotation, mixed cultivation amongst others, regional varieties will get priority- they have adapted to the local climate for centuries and hardly require any care. In order to cultivate old, regional varieties, we will develop a seed bank. On an additional area of about 150 ha (~375 acres), we will pursue ecological land cultivation in order to provide the settlement with crops, cereals and animal products. A living fence will provide us with berries and fruits and the many animals with protection. It will also help us to reach an ecological balance on the estate in the shortest time. It carries out another important function as wind protection. The keeping of animals according to animal welfare standards

16 E n e r g y a n regenerative environmen Our energy provision will be based on an optimum utilisation of all the regenerative energy sources known today as well as their conversion, cascading and storing - this way each estate and all public assets will have access to energy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A complete project coordination team will realize the total energy concept of the settlement. The team will observe technical innovations and developments in this field and will include them with detectable functionality into the energy concept of the settlement. Energy production is optimized for minimal use of space and resources by using existing buildings. For our multi-generational residential development the following energy mix could be offered: â Solar energy: Solar cells create electricity and solar collectors / solar thermal power plants warm water. â Wind energy: Windmills generate electricity; here the wind drives a rotor, which transmits its energy to a generator for electricity production. â Biogenic energy sources: These are in manifold forms classified as residual materials (in forestry and agriculture as organic waste fractions, sludge and landfill gases) and are produced through cultivation of energy crops respectively. Opportunities for use occur in: simple fireplaces, in soapstone ovens, single ovens, smaller boilers for heat production using wood pellets or wood chips, combined heat and power units, as well as biogas plants. â Geothermal and environmental heat: The thermal energy in air, earth, river and ground water can contribute to heating houses as well as water using heat pumps.

17 d C l i m a t e tally friendly - economical Everyday the sun provides more energy than the human race is able to consume. We are talking about a CO 2 and, as the case may be, an emission neutral energy generation. Following the example, and in close coordination with the EWS Schönau (innovative German electricity provider), we want to have complete ownership and control over the local electricity grids. Every estate in the multi-generational residential development is obliged to provide an area or space for collective energy generation. The buildings on each estate will be provided with electricity, heating and communication (telephone/internet/radio/tv etc.). The sources of regenerative energy are inexhaustible.

18 Wa t e r a n d R e s i Water is the base of all life. It is the basis of all naturally occurring solutions such as, for example, plant juices, blood and lymph liquids. All life evolved from water and all life is maintained through water. Hence, the quality of the water has an influence on each user. Water provision and distribution: Here we have to differentiate between drinking water and water for domestic use, and also have to take into account the regulations of DIN* and DVGW**. The drinking water is, as far as possible, spring or well-fed directly from the settlement site. The water for domestic use (toilets, washing machines, garden watering, amongst others) comes from stored rainwater and an additional sources if there is no rainfall over a longer time period. As water of good quality is a valuable commodity, each inhabitant of the settlement is obliged to handle it in a conserving and conscious way. Water disposal: Harmful substances which enter this medium during washing, rinsing, showering, cleaning and during other water usages, are neutralized in an environmentally friendly way. The water disposal/treatment occurs on each individual estate in a waste water treatment plant and a downstream pond. The overflow of the pond is lead through ditches to a central pond or stream within

19 d u a l M a t e r i a l s the settlement site. Both the central and the estate ponds also have a storm water storage function. All appliances are installed following the known guidelines and norms. * DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardization) **DVGW - Deutsche Vereinigung des Gas- und Wasserfachs (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) Residual materials (waste substances): The extremely sensitive area of waste materials (which should rather be called resources) is subject to various laws and decrees of the German state and federal state authorities and the recycling management and the waste management laws, respectively. These demand that primarily, waste should be avoided, secondly should be recycled, and only when this is not possible, should materially and energetically be made use of in a process which harms the environment as little as possible. The avoiding of potential waste and the appliance of a pro-nature life style are the goals of the inhabitants of the multi-generational residential development. â â â â We prioritize products made from natural materials to products made from synthetic materials. We conserve and save resources when we go on using products or reuse them. We run a recycling station in our settlement including a contact point for barter transactions. We comply to the application and disposal guidelines of resources, garbage, and hazardous waste of the region in which the settlement is located. This outline and classification applies to both the privately and the publicly used areas of the multi-generational residential settlement. Waste which can be lead back into the natural cycles (e.g. compost), remain on the corresponding estate on which it was produced. All waste for which there is no use in the settlement, will be collected in the recycling station. Water is the principle of all things. (Thales of Miletus)

20 C l o s i n g The Idea Inspired and motivated by different movements, we are determined to give our lives a greater and more amplified meaning. We aim for a future where a natural handling of creation is a normality. Every person who has a wish to live closer to nature in a network of mutual, concrete and appropriate help to self-help, can realize it on their own garden estate. The Plan Through an atmosphere of a living neighbourhood and the pursuit of an ideal solution for both the individual and the collective, an ecological development fulfills which is again based on an extremely self-sufficient family household. In this context, it is easier for the parents to exemplify, through their own lives, the true meaning of the human existence to their growing children. Likewise, it is understood that the children will provide their parents in old age with all the support they can give.

21 Wo r d s The Realization Life in tune with nature and everything that lives: healthy soil, water and air - and through this healthy food. Reduction of external influences. Extensively self-determined households through self-provision of energy, water and nourishment. Responsibility for the own life, consequences, and actions. Tolerance of differences in opinion for the good and well-being of the settlement. Stable value added cycles build a sustainable and effective community. When well-functioning village communities are again established world-wide with manageable size and functioning infrastructure, and when the human can provide himself/herself with provisions, living space, water, energy and work, then strong coalescing structures will grow which will facilitate world peace and prevent the stream of refugees. Reinhold Groß Chairman, Förderverein zur Gründung der Mehrgenerationensiedlung e.v. (Multi-Generational Residential Development Foundation)

22 Epilogue Happiness is not acquired through living for the moment, but through surrendering to a meaningful goal. The feeling of co-moulding this project, the happiness of simply being with others in the groups, gives me great pleasure every time. Ina Stephan, 2nd Management Board The individual finds fulfilment and room for development only in the community. My aim is that on this ark, through a new social structure, a human cooperation and harmonious co-existence will be lived out. Dieter Kuefner, group leader in community planning One who wants to move the world, has to move him/herself first. (Sokrates) Nikolaus Wecker, group leader in building & planning My wish is to promote nature-compliant and sustainable projects as we need a functioning nature. Nature is able to survive without the human. This way world peace can be created. Roland Seybold, group leader community centre For me the school of life is the school in which children can recognise and further develop their creative abilities and their uniqueness. The life in our community enables all the participants to live in harmony with their surroundings and to take over responsibility for themselves and for the environment. Larissa Kacanova-Bessei, group leader for school To finally recognise a true meaning in our life so that the coming generations can better master the task of life on earth. Alexander Kandlin, group leader in agriculture My motivation: creating a complete and happy future for our children. Amanda Kandlin, group leader community order We have an appointment with life. This compels each individual to be conscious of his/her thoughts as well as actions, to monitor and accordingly change them. The multi-generational development is a forum to develop our consciousness and to bring about change. Let us not wait upon a miracle in the future. It is time for a collective awakening. Wolfgang Ganzert, group leader in energy To design my own living space and to work together with people, who take over responsibility for themselves and for the community, made me enthusiastic from the start. Here we create something unique which may be important for all of us. It is the beginning of a new quality of life. Franz Dankwart, group leader in water

23 Editor: Foerderverein zur Gruendung der Mehrgenerationensiedlung e.v Billigheim, Neudenauerstr. 8, Germany Tel.: , ub.gross@t-online.de, web: Register of associations: Mosbach VR 792, Place of jurisdiction: Mosbach VATID-No. DE , 1. Chairman Reinhold Gross All articles, photographs, graphics, as well as editorial content of this brochure were contributed by foundation members. Layout: Peter Fischer Sponsors: Adobe Systems GmbH (Software for the composition of the brochure and website) Print: see below Picture credits: Front page- Kingfisher: Peashooter / PIXELIO Introduction - School (1x1): S. Hofschlaeger / PIXELIO Introduction- Energy Solar with Sunflowers: Norbert Straub / PIXELIO Introduction- Water Kingfisher: Peashooter / PIXELIO Settlement centre- Bakers sign: Ilse Dinkel / PIXELIO Settlement centre- Pumpkins: KlausM / PIXELIO School of Life- 1x1: S. Hofschlaeger / PIXELIO Agriculture- Lupines: lindele / PIXELIO Agriculture- Picture as border: Claudia35 / PIXELIO Energy and climate- windmill: Rolf von Melis / PIXELIO Energy and climate- Solar with Sunflowers: Norbert Straub / PIXELIO Energy and climate- energy station: Gabi B. / PIXELIO Energy and climate- rape field: wobidu / PIXELIO Energy and climate- sunflowers: SarahC. / PIXELIO Energy and climate- wood supply: Paul-Georg Meister / PIXELIO Water and residual materials- wells: Kerstin Schalow / PIXELIO Water and residual materials- Kingfisher: Peashooter / PIXELIO These pictures were used for editorial content with approval of www. pixelio.de. All other pictures in this brochure were produced during foundationmeetings or originate from foundation members. All individuals featuredon these pictures are exclusively foundation members. A big thank you to all involved for the legwork and allocation. Copyright Foerderverein zur Gruendung der Mehrgenerationensiedlung e.v. All rights reserved. No part of this project folder may be reproduced, translated or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the Foerderverein zur Gruendung der Mehrgenerationensiedlung e.v.. ISBN: Nominal charge: 3,- Print: