We fully embrace the beauty of collaboration; knowing that the sum of the whole is more than the additive sum of individual efforts. When wisdom, knowledge, resources and energy are combined the optimum results are achieved. This is why we are reaching out to all synergistic Organizations and Universities to create a collaborative interdisciplinary research project; with the intent of applying and focusing the gathered wisdom into the creation of the first Welcome Home Community… ONE of the most energy efficient, resourceful, healthy, sustainable and abundant communities on Earth. This model can then be shared and duplicated all around the world… having a powerful collective influence and effect.
We are inviting students, professors and researchers from numerous disciplines and universities to join us on this project. We are also reaching out to many of the organizations whom are already united and working towards a similar cause; a healthy, happy and harmonious world. We have several properties that we are looking at in the San Diego area as the starting point for this collaborative project. Once we come to an agreement on a site, we can begin the project. We are asking professors and students from different disciplines to work together on creating this project. Basically we are uniting all disciplines necessary to research and create the most ideal and sustainable community on Earth. This project will include every facet of community life; the use of the land and soil, materials and methods of construction, sources of energy, food source, removal of waste, non-creation of waste, revenue, social capital, financial systems, alternative economics, urban planning, models of ownership, methods of organization and government, law, decision making process, alternative and harmonious means of communication, health, nutrition, work, community service, faith and spirituality, cultural beliefs and practices… and anything else we may have forgotten!
Once we have selected the property we will begin the calculations to find the most optimum number of inhabitants in the community. We have been looking at sites that vary in size from 2 acres up to 15 acres. Depending on which site is chosen the community will consist of a range from 10 to 75 members. The community will be as self sufficient as possible; being constructed in the most energy efficient manner with the most natural and healthy materials, creating all of its’ own energy on site and giving energy back to the grid, growing enough organic food on-site to feed 75% (or whatever the optimum calculated ratio ends up being) of the community with a nutritional vegetarian diet, and sufficient social capital or revenue to sustain the community with all of its’ needs plus 25% to attain the necessary organic food to keep the community healthy and nourished.
Possible Associated Project Universities
- NewSchool of Architecture & Design (NSAD)
- College of Architecture & Environmental Design, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (CAED Cal Poly)
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- San Diego State University (SDSU)
- University of San Diego (USD)
- San Diego City College
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM)
Combined University Disciplines
- Architecture
- Agriculture
- Urban Planning
- Economics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Permaculture
- Sustainable Business/Social Entrepreneurship
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Nutrition
Potential Sample Questions to create project guidelines
- How many acres of land in San Diego are necessary to grow enough food for a healthy and nutritional diet for 10 people?
- How many 2×4′s, plywood, shingles, materials etc. in a standard Southern California suburban single family home? … what is the overall energy consumption, CO2 footprint to cut the wood, transport, mill, construct/build, etc?
- How many gallons h2o does the typical family use inside home and San Diego home; and outside for landscaping?
- What is typical family energy usage? How many solar panels are needed to supply this amount of energy?
- What is the typical median rent/mortgage in San Diego?
- What is the environmental impact and energy consumption for a vegetarian diet v.s. a carnivorous diet?
- How many paper and plastic cups are used annually in San Diego food courts, malls and fast food restaurants?
- What is the average single family home amount of waste per year?
- What percentage of homes compost or recycle? What percentage of landfill waste is actually compostable?
- How far does typical family commute annually in San Diego and LA? What is the average MPG of the vehicles?
- What percentage of population bicycles to work in San Dieogo? … v.s. Denmark?
- What is the overall energy/resource usage and impact of a highly focused intentional sustainable community v.s. the overall impact of a standard suburban/urban community or neighborhood?
- etc. etc. etc. many more sample questions to be developed!
(answers relating to 0-10; 0=lowest/poor/none to 10=highest/good)
- What do you presently feel are the world’s most pressing concerns?
- Please list top the 5 with first being the most important to you
- Please do this for each of these levels:
- Globally
- Nationally
- Your local community
- Your individual life
- Please list top the 5 with first being the most important to you
- Do you feel humans are connected to nature? If so, in what ways?
- Do you feel humans are part of nature?
- On a scale from 0-10 where would you rate your happiness related to work?
- On a scale from 0-10 where would you rate your happiness related to health?
- On a scale from 0-10 where would you rate your happiness related to relationships?
- On a scale from 0-10 where would you rate your happiness related to diet/nutrition?
- On a scale from 0-10 where would you rate your happiness related to overall well being?
- How much time do you spend commuting to work per week?
- How much time do you spend commuting to socialize with friends per week?
- How many miles per gallon does your automobile get? What is your form of transportation?
- How many times per week/month do you ride your bike?
- How many times per week/month do you get together with close friends for quality time together?
- When you do get together what do you do? eat, cook, music, dance etc…
- Do you grow any of your own food? If so, is it organic? If so, what percentage of your food do you grow?
- Do you recycle?
- Do you compost?
- Do you carry with you a re-usable water bottle, shopping bag or bamboo utensils?
- How many times per week/month do you use paper/plastic/Styrofoam cups, utensils and containers for fast food?
- Do you participate in any community or neighborhood collaborative art projects or practices of expression? If so, what do you do?
- How many times have you moved in the last 5 years?
- Have you ever owned a home? If so, what was the value of that home?
- Would you like to spend more time with your friends?
- How many hours per week/month do you spend pursuing your passions, hobbies and interests?
- Do you feel as though you would like more time in your life for these things?
- What do you value more, time or money?
- How many hours per week do you just ‘be’ with yourself without any distractions, just relaxing in silence, meditation or prayer?
- What do you value most in your life? The top 5 things in order, starting with most valued part of life?
- Have you ever lived within an intentional community or shared living situation? If so, where did you live?
- In your own words how would you define the word ‘permaculture’?
- Are you currently using any form of renewable energy in your home?
- If no, are you interested in implementing some form of renewable energy in your home?
- In your own words explain the meaning of ‘consciousness’ to you personally.
- What are examples in daily life that you personally consider conscious living?
- Do you have any beliefs in faith, religion or spirituality? If so, what are they?
- United Nations Association San Diego (UNASD)
- Rebuild Global (San Diego)
- Alternative Healing Network (San Diego)
- San Diego Roots Sustainable Food Project
- Center for Sustainable Energy California
- GRID Alternatives
- The Red Lotus Society
- Architecture for Humanity
- Habitat for Humanity
- TED Conference
- Bioneers
- Genographic Project – National Geographic
- International Refugee Committee (IRC)
- The Red Cross
- The Venus Project
- Burning Man community leaders
- Peace One Day
- The Smarter City – IBM
- The Waitt Family Foundation (San Diego)
- The Art of Peace Foundation (in support of the Dalai Lama)
- Self Realization Fellowship (San Diego)
- Ashoka Foundation
- Peace Corps
- Deer Park Monastery – Thich Nhat Hanh
