Exploring ecological design, social design and what ecosocial design could be.

How to apply ecosocial design and implementation to existing residential urban homes:

• that allow a very complete sustainable lifestyle
  economical self-sufficiency
  connecting with community
  ecological appropriate
  
• provide for many of the needs of the occupants
  food
  energy
  water
  shelter from weather, wind, storms and temperature
  transportation
  livelihood
  cultural entertainment
  continuing learning
  resting
  retreat and outreach
  medicine
  
• are integrated in the social fabric of the local community
  neighborhood building
  inviting friends
  cultural activities
  forming support circles
  eco-working groups
  get togethers of different kinds
  publishing information
  
• and can function as model, demonstration and teaching site.
  

Increase Permaculture and ecological design skills, methods and knowledge:

• creating base maps and draft drawings
• following design methodology
• researching and selecting appropriate species
• collecting and evaluating information relevant to project
• applying permaculture principles
• reading the land
• more gardening
• water catchment systems
• greywater systems
• biofuel production
• bee keeping and small animal husbandry
• tree and bush planting
• receive feedback on ecological design skills and advise where to improve
• researching sustainable solutions for common daily household issues
• ecology, plants and animals
  

Trade and crafts skills:

• Fence building
• Cob construction
• Solar PV and hot water installation and maintenance
• Intensive gardening
• Bio fuel production
• Carpentry
• Greywater system installation and maintenance
• Stone work

Technical skills:

• using a CAD program or similar
• Drafting and drawing
• increase architectural understanding
• remodeling,construction and natural building
• Internet programming and web design

Organizational skills:

• working with contractors
• create bids and negotiation
• legal situation
• zoning regulations and exemption process

Personal:

• Learn more about my strengths and where to improve
• Work in an enjoyable atmosphere, at a comfortable pace
• Alternate and balance between desk work and hands on work
• Make it all manageable and affordable and beautiful
• Resolve procrastination
• Balance between free time and fun time, livelihood time, study time, day-to-day activities, quiet time, family and friend time

Social skills:

• Forming and facilitating a support group
• Semi public presenting of project
• Outreach to the community

I am considering to take several classes during the total duration of this project (+- 10 years), including another PDC and advanced PC classes as well as the PC teacher training, cob and other natural building classes and sign up for courses in general ecology, forest ecology, botany, biology, hydrology, psychology and machining, welding, carpentry, Heart Circle training, etc.
Additionally I would like to attend several conferences and meetings, the village convergence in Portland, the Bioneers in San Francisco and Ecobuilders Retreat in Pilgrim Firs, Ecopolis 2012, etc.

Though new to me, I am already using mind mapping (MindManger) and 3D-modelling software (SketchUp) and apply a design cycle with much more conscious clarity.