Introduction:
In August 2010 I completed my first PDC in York. I wanted to do the course because I was about to enter mainstream education as a full-time student. I also knew that although I was keen to embark on my building design degree, that it would be very conventional and limited.
This is where permaculture entered the picture, random searching on the Internet, and a few random conversations with a friend who had done permaculture led me to the PDC. My questions at the time were would the PDC really give me a framework to design buildings or was it really about growing vegetables. I still wasn’t sure, but went ahead anyway. I fancied living in the field for 2 weeks and having our lessons in a Yurt.
I loved the experience and headed off to university in September 2010. With PDC fresh in my mind, I tackled my first building design and the site analysis fitted the brief perfectly. Then the principles wove their way into the design elements. During my first year at University it was abundantly clear to me that the holistic framework I had learned during the PDC had transformed my design analysis.
So I decided that I wanted to embark on my permaculture diploma.
As a refresh I completed the very same PDC, with the very same tutor, in the very same field in August 2011.
My over-riding feeling from the PDC II, had concreted my resolve to focus on URBAN DESIGN completely.
Over 50% of the world’s population, now live in urban areas.
This is where permaculture entered the picture, random searching on the Internet, and a few random conversations with a friend who had done permaculture led me to the PDC. My questions at the time were would the PDC really give me a framework to design buildings or was it really about growing vegetables. I still wasn’t sure, but went ahead anyway. I fancied living in the field for 2 weeks and having our lessons in a Yurt.
I loved the experience and headed off to university in September 2010. With PDC fresh in my mind, I tackled my first building design and the site analysis fitted the brief perfectly. Then the principles wove their way into the design elements. During my first year at University it was abundantly clear to me that the holistic framework I had learned during the PDC had transformed my design analysis.
So I decided that I wanted to embark on my permaculture diploma.
As a refresh I completed the very same PDC, with the very same tutor, in the very same field in August 2011.
My over-riding feeling from the PDC II, had concreted my resolve to focus on URBAN DESIGN completely.
Over 50% of the world’s population, now live in urban areas.
Aims: What do I want to achieve by doing the Permaculture Diploma?
- I want to be able design buildings which are innovative and sustainable
- I want to integrate Permaculture principles into my everyday life
- I want to find learning methods which are effective and efficient
- I want to be able to use 'Archicad' with flair and confidence
- I want to be able to Research, Design, Reflect and Amend projects
- I want to design a website which showcases both my Permaculture and University design Skills
Objectives: What steps and tasks are needed to successfully complete this project?
- Use Permaculture principles as design generators for University
- I need to design 10 Diploma Projects (6 of which need to be implemented)and record progress/reflections
- I need to Learn digital media such as "Archicad" "power point presentation"
- Create a website for hosting the Diploma information, maintain and update often
- I need to have design Guild meetings
- I have to conduct peer group reviews
- I have to log in with Richard Perkins every 10 weeks or so.
- The projects need to be completed in a 2 year Period.
- I need to use the learn, review, amend cycle to change direction if require and become more effective.
Resources: What resources are required?
- I have set one day per week aside for my permaculture diploma work (Normally Friday's)
- I have a suitable computer and student access to software
- I have lessons which support my Digital Technology such as "archicad"
- My partner is supportive and involved with the 'home' element of the Diploma projects
- Community involvement will be via 'SIDWIGCRES' which is our newly formed residents group.
- Self teaching and internet searching
- Recording equipment such as a small video camera
Learning Pathway Reviews
| My own thoughts
1. I like 'systems' and spend a lot of time finding one, so that I can make order and sense and be efficient
2. I don't take enough breaks from the computer chair 3. | Implement
Find a system and use it for a while
Use an alarm clock! Break every Hour! |