Following on from last week’s case study, here is some more detail from my design for a series on kin domains or family homesteads in Jamaica. The goal for each individual kin domain is to provide for the basic needs of a family over the generations, while avoiding harm to the wider world.
However, while the goal is self-reliance and a relatively high degree of self-sufficiency, this design is also about enhancing the experience of kin domain or homestead living by creating a community. A high level of autonomy and privacy on individual holdings does not mean that those living on these pieces of land cannot benefit from their proximity to others who wish to live in a similar way.
As you can see from the design above, the 15 kin domain sites centre around a community hub, where those living on them can meet. A workshop, utility spaces, central resources, and a trading post allow for a range of positive interactions between the individual sites.
One might say that a plan like this allows for the ‘best of both worlds’. Homesteading and self-sufficiency – but also connection, and a collaborative model that allows people to work together for a better and more sustainable world.
While this specific example is designed for a specific location – the ideas are ones that could work in a wide range of locations around the world. Autonomous homesteads or smallholdings gathered around central small community hubs could be one model for a more sustainable society. There would then be greater potential for small communities of homesteads to co-operate, trade and work with those from other small communities around a bioregion…
How we structure our society can have an important bearing on how exactly we can transition to a more sustainable future. If you are interested in creating a community, or in creating your own homestead, please do get in touch.
EWSP Consultancy 