Agriculture and Architecture have been two of the most crucial industries for human survival throughout history. For centuries, humans have been closely connected to the land, growing their own food and building cities that were integrated into the environment. However, as we have progressed and urbanized, the gap between agriculture and architecture has grown, leading to negative consequences for both industries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerable disconnect between agriculture and architecture. As we witnessed empty grocery store shelves during the height of panic-buying, it became clear how fragile our food system truly is. Our cities have been built with little consideration for the land, leading to a reliance on food produced from distant regions without regard for ecological and human well-being. Globally, 52% of agricultural land is already degraded due to unsustainable farming practices and deforestation. At the same time, the development industry is responsible for 40% of global energy consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions.
With these alarming statistics, it's clear that the planet is in crisis, and we can no longer afford to pretend that someone else will solve these problems. We must take action to reverse the current rates of soil degradation, air contamination, and water pollution. If we don't, life as we know it will eventually come to an end for humanity.
The good news is that there are solutions to these problems. Permaculture and Nature Based Architecture have emerged as two solid movements addressing unsustainable farming and development practices. However, for decades these two solutions have grown separately. We must now work towards closing the gap between these two innovative practices. By integrating sustainable food production systems into Nature Based development projects and vice versa, we will ensure that farming and development complement each other. The connection between Autonomous buildings and permaculture has the potential to close the gap between architecture and agriculture.
Permaculture is a design system that mimics natural ecosystems to create sustainable and regenerative food production systems. It encourages using organic and natural farming practices, regenerating the soil, and enhancing biodiversity. Nature Based Architecture mimics the intelligence of nature to develop living ecosystems capable of providing the basic necessities that we humans need to thrive on this planet. However, both concepts are fundamentally built upon the goal of restoring ecosystems.
To ensure a resilient and sustainable future, it is crucial that permaculture and autonomous buildings are not treated as separate entities. The way we inhabit the planet and the design of our food systems must be approached holistically, as interconnected and interdependent systems.
Biotonomy's upcoming project in Austria, set to launch in July 2023, is a unique opportunity to witness the merging of Permaculture and Nature Based Architecture into one united, thriving ecosystem. While permaculture practices focus on providing nutrient-rich food and restoring soil, Nature Based Architecture offers comfortable shelters that consume zero energy, produce clean drinkable water, provide free and clean electricity, and reuse wastewater for food production and ecosystem restoration. As an Academy training program, students from around the world will come together to develop an Autonomous building that will serve as an educational center for Permaculture and Nature Based Architecture.
This program is perfect for those passionate about Permaculture and Autonomous Buildings. Through hands-on development of an Autonomous building from the ground up and theoretical classes on Nature Based Solutions, students will learn how these two disciplines can complement each other to offer maximized self-reliance while regenerating the environment.
The project's uniqueness lies in its combination of Nature Based farming and construction, with students having the opportunity to live and work on the permaculture land and experience the benefits firsthand. Biotonomy is honored to have been chosen to develop this project and is committed to creating innovative projects like this that inspire people worldwide.
Join us in shaping the future and developing the next generation of Nature Based Civilizations by signing up for this unforgettable, life-changing experience today. Spots are limited, so make sure to register now to secure your spot.
