Workshop Module 2: Natural Patterns and Permaculture Design 65
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Presentation : Planning and methods for design
Method : Facilitator presentation
Tools : Images of “good” and “bad” designs in the field
References : PC Book MOD 2 - Natural Patterns and Permaculture Design
Objective : Participants understand the value and principles of designing
This section and session contains ideas and methods for planning long-term designs for
agricultural land, animal systems, houses, and other projects.
A plan gives you a frame. Like when you build a house, a strong frame will help to ensure
that your house is strong and lasts a long time. It is necessary to create the frame before
you build the rest of the house.
Having a good frame will give you more order and efficiency, while increasing your
design’s flexibility. Its important to remember that your plans can, and should, change
as circumstances change. You can add more elements and change the plans as you
learn more about your project. Each success or mistake that occurs during your project
will help you decide how best to adjust the plan.
Planning is a combination of techniques and strategies:
- Techniques are HOW to do things; strategies are HOW and WHEN to do things.
- Designing a plan is like making a PATTERN with all the elements of your design.
- Work with your OBSERVATION of the land and elements to create a system.
When planning and designing projects, we needs to ask ourselves many
questions, such as:
- What elements will be used?
- Where will the elements go?
- How can this element be placed so it will provide maximum benefits for the
system? - How many of the Permaculture principles have been covered with these design
element and their placement?
See the PC Book MOD 2 - Natural Patterns and Permaculture Design for more
details and ideas for planning and designing.