Designing Ecological Habitats - Gaia Education

macro to micro: introDucing ecosocial matrix as a tool for integrateD Design 257
our local Rainbow Power Company experts have calculated that on a sunny
day over 75% of the sub-catchments’ electricity will come from the sun.
Conclusion
Of course there are many further insights, perspectives and examples of
ways the ESM analysis can be applied to integrated designs for individual
properties, communities, villages and whole bioregions. Hopefully this short
introduction will encourage designers to play with the ESM catchment
overlays and use them as tools for integrated design to keep in mind the
details in context with the bigger picture.
References
Rural Residential Development – A New Approach by Sustainable Futures Australia. Peter Cuming,
Robyn Francis, etc al. NSW Department of Planning,1993.
Rural Settlement – Guidelines on Rural Settlement for the North Coast. [Based on the above study Rural
Residential Development.] NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 1995.
ISBN 0 7310 6223 X , 1995.
Ecovillage and Sustainable Settlement Design Course Handbook by Robyn Francis 1995, Revised 2002,
2006-7.
From Aquarius Dreaming to Nineties Reality – Nimbin’s Coming of Age. Robyn Francis, 1996, IPC6
Conference Paper.
Jarlanbah Permaculture Hamlet was designed using a range of methodologies, including ESM,
McHarg’s exclusion process and insights gained from over 20 years involvement with the intentional
community movement.
Robyn Francis, permaculture pioneer, educator, designer and innovator has been passionate
about permaculture for over three decades. Founder of Permaculture International,
Permaculture College Australia, editor of the Permaculture International Journal, designer of
NSW’s first ecovillage (Jarlanbah), and co-initiator of the Accredited Permaculture Training
Center, she balances international work with direct action in her local community
and bioregion. Since 1994 she is based at Djanbung Gardens, purpose-designed
Permaculture Training Centre in the lush subtropics of NSW, Australia. Robyn is also a
passionate gardener, gourd crafter, songwriter and composes luscious ambient music.
www.permaculture.com.au