MSc in Integrative Ecosocial Design
at
Gaia University



Richard Kühnel

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Implementation II
Evaluation

I think due to the similarity of the structure and layout to the first part's output that I used as a template for this one as well as the familiarity of creating outputs, this output was all produced in a series of a few days - only the journal entries have been done ongoing. As the physical implementation work has slowed down considerably I have more focused time, which also helped greatly.

Challenges

Here some of the difficulties I encountered during this phase:

  • Although Berta's nephews and I were communicating pretty well by now I found it difficult to keep them working as hard as they did in the beginning. Maybe it has to do with exhaustion or getting bored a little bit - just digging all the time!
  • At one point I had some serious doubts if some of the implementation is really right - in terms of really considering the impacts to the planet. And to be honest, I felt to stop, redo or un-do some things. Finally I came to the conclusion that even though some of the way the design is implemented is not the most ecologically and socially best way I know of, there is a few points to consider: One is that besides what I consider to be the "best" practice might not work for other's involved, like family or neighbors to such a degree that it becomes a balance act between upsetting valuable relationships or keeping my "purist" way of thinking. Working with a property and structures that have been in place for a while, taking steps in a sustainable direction, even if not as radical as possible, is a great achievement and can provide others with some ideas how to go about it. It is sometimes not clear what direction to take in order to retrofit existing human habitat into a really sustainable system.
  • Towards the end of this phase I finally was able to spend a little bit more time with Berta, take some breaks and also take care of my personal needs to a greater degree. What a pleasure!
  • Working with my mentor has not been quite what I was looking for but critical important for some of the more involved elements, like the porch. Working with the action learning guild has been limited to sharing the four questions, which is helpful but might benefit form breaking out of that structure. The process advising sessions have made some difference, although a more actively mentoring approach might be worth considering. The feedback of my outputs is still behind, admittedly though, I have been delivering them also really late.
  • Not being as far with implementation as planned and now on my own, except for our carpenter helper for critical pieces, forces me to finish some elements on my own, which takes longer.
  • Just close to the end of finishing the reporting on results I realized that by listing the main "ecosocionomic" aspects it becomes quite interesting. So I have done this only done for the the last element I added to the results, which was text on the Northern part of the driveway.
What is going well?
  • Again I am pleased how many people that passed by by foot or even driving, have asked what we are doing. Several of which I gave a little tour. This is outreaching work, a little bit different than planned, but nevertheless meeting the goal. I am looking forward to implement the other outreach activities in the near future.
  • I got more requests for doing consulting!
  • This output was much easier to create than previous ones.
  • The schedule has eased up finally - breath!
  • The implementation of the front yard has made progress and every completed piece brings the vision closer to manifestation.
  • More good conversations about living sustainable and what that could mean for one-self.
  • I feel much more relaxed.
  • Output 5 is getting completed as we speak - I mean write!
Evaluation Form

Here is my self-evaluation for the output of the second part of the implementation for downloading.

Next Steps

The next steps I want to take:

  • Get ready for Berta moving her office back.
  • Complete the North part of the driveway.
  • Start on output 6.
  • Finish the unenclosed porch.
  • Put gravel between the paving of the west side foot path.
  • The fence extension on the west side.
  • Rain gutter and water barrel on the west side.
  • Build a storage area along the partly new fence on the west side .
  • Build beds in the front yard and planting.
  • Sort the dimensional wood in the back.
  • Find a place for the firewood.
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