General Model - Tool for understanding the design process
Five main phases:
1. Assessment
2. Visioning
3. Conceptual Planning
4. Master Planning
5. Design and Evaluation

These are inside the model and based on natural systems thinking, ethical intention, and thoughtful and protracted observation. The above 5 phases grow from the roots of this understanding. This understanding is fundamental to ALL THAT WE DO. Every step in the design process is mediated by, reflects, and is based on an understanding of this core material.

Where does this element go? How is it placed for maximum benefit within the system?
Techniques: HOW to do things (one-dimensional) ex. Organic gardening
Strategies: HOW and WHEN to do things (two dimensional)
Fukuoka Design: PATTERNING (multi-dimensional) ex. Permaculture

1. Maps
Valuable to see where to place elements. Clear overlays of:
Access
Water
Buildings
Topography
Flow diagrams

2. Analysis of an Element
List the needs, products, and the intrinsic character of each element. (Done on paper.) Lists are made to try to supply (by some other element in the systems) the needs of a particular element. Use the chicken example. State its needs, products, and intrinsic factors. Experiment connecting and combining the elements (building, plants, animals, etc.) to achieve no pollution and minimum work.

3. Sector Planning
Where do we put things? This includes Zones, Sectors, Slope and Orientation.

4. Observational
Free thinking or thematic thinking.
Note phenomenon.
Infer (make guesses)
Investigate (research)
Devise a strategy

5. Experiential
Become conscious. Be present. Go walking during all times of the day, night. Sit and watch. Work in the area for some time. Keep a journal and almanac.

Good attitudes for approaching design
Child like: I wonder why?
Thematic: How does the water behave on the land? (Broad questions)
Instrumental: For example, measure rainfall over a period of time
Experiential: Ambience, intuitive, Sensory observation.

» Animals, Drylands, and Urban Design
» Appropriate Technology
» Building Locally and Appropriately
» Community & Economics
» Compost
» Definitions & Ethics
» Global Permaculture and Staying Connected
» Guilding, Stacking, Mulching
» Herb Spiral & Medicinals
» Land Access & Urban Systems
» Methodologies of Design and the Core Model
» Native Forests, Niches, Energy Sinks, Edge
» Permaculture Principles
» Seed Saving, Propagation, & GMOs
» Soil Regeneration
» Water Cycling, Flows, Aquaculture
» Zones, Sectors, Flow, & Patterns