In November 2009, students from Portland State University taking Toby Hemenway’s Permaculture Design Class met with Ole and Maitri to discuss Kailash Ecovillage as one of the class team projects. The mission of the ecovillage, history, and community goals were discussed. Students included an attorney, two architects, a landscape architect and former city planner, among others. The team worked hard to research the site, obtain input from the community, and create a permaculture-based design which was presented at the final class in February 2010.

Here are photos of Toby's students in the November design charette session gathering information for the design:

left to right: Maitri, Kelly, Stacia, Polly, Lora, Stephanie, Michael, Philip

left to right: Polly, Lora, Stephanie, Michael

left to right: Stephanie, Michael, Philip, Maitri

Here is another photo from the January session refining ideas:

left to right: Lora, Kelly, Stacia, Polly, Michael

Here is a subsequent session refining the design:

left to right:  Kelly, Stacia, Polly, Philip, Stephanie, and Lora

As part of this project Stephanie has researched and prepared a history of  Kailash Ecovillage and the neighborhood.

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, the group presented their project to the community. Polly began the presentation by discussing existing conditions and site flows like topography, sun, wind, and water flows. She discussed the permaculture design process and how it related to this site and project. Lora discussed community areas. Michael's focus was on the details of water flows. Stacia's focus was on the community garden area. Kelly spoke about the children's garden and play areas.

Here is the final site concept plan and close-ups of the SW corner and main garden area:

Community members were unanimously delighted with the presentation and concept plan. After the presentation, the students and the community enjoyed a meal together and discussed the plan.

In addition to their presentation, the group prepared a detailed report.

We will be implementing most of the suggestions this year, as time and resources permit.