Conceptual design development is a crucial phase in permaculture planning. It's where ideas take shape through sketches, diagrams, and analysis. This stage lets designers explore various layouts and solutions before committing to final plans.

Integrating permaculture principles and ethics is key during conceptual development. Designers use pattern language, apply core principles, and consider ethical implications to create sustainable, regenerative designs that benefit people and the planet.

Design Exploration

Conceptual Sketching Techniques

• Bubble diagrams visually represent relationships between different elements or spaces in a design by using circles or bubbles connected with lines
  • Helps to explore the spatial organization and connections without focusing on specific details
  • Allows for quick iteration and exploration of various layout options (placement of garden, house, and pond)
• Conceptual sketches are rough, hand-drawn sketches that capture the essence of a design idea without precise details
  • Enables rapid visualization and communication of design concepts
  • Encourages creative thinking and problem-solving in the early stages of design (sketching different water catchment systems)
• Functional analysis involves breaking down a design problem into its functional components and requirements
  • Identifies the specific needs, activities, and processes that the design must accommodate
  • Helps to ensure that the design addresses all necessary functions and avoids unnecessary elements (analyzing the functions of a chicken coop: shelter, roosting, egg laying, and access for cleaning)

Integrating Permaculture Principles and Ethics

• Pattern language refers to a set of reusable design solutions that have been proven to work in specific contexts
  • Draws upon the collective wisdom and experience of previous designers and cultures
  • Helps to create designs that are well-adapted to their environment and user needs (using the "keyhole garden" pattern for efficient planting and harvesting)
• Design principles application involves consciously applying permaculture design principles to guide decision-making and problem-solving
  • Ensures that the design aligns with permaculture values and strategies
  • Promotes sustainable, regenerative, and resilient design solutions (applying the principle of "catch and store energy" by incorporating rainwater harvesting systems)
• Permaculture ethics integration means considering the ethical implications of design choices and striving to create designs that are socially, economically, and environmentally responsible
  • The three core permaculture ethics are Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share
  • Helps to create designs that benefit all stakeholders and contribute to a more just and sustainable world (designing a community garden that provides equal access to fresh produce for all members)