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Ecovillages are intentional communities with the goal of becoming more socially, economically and

ecologically sustainable. Some aim for a population of 50–150 individuals. Larger ecovillages of up to

2,000 individuals exist as networks of smaller subcommunities to create an ecovillage model that allows for social networks within a broader foundation of support. Certain ecovillages have grown by

the nearby addition of others, not necessarily members, settling on the periphery of the ecovillage

and effectively participating in the ecovillage community.

Ecovillage members are united by shared ecological, social-economic and cultural-spiritual values.[1]

An ecovillage is often composed of people who have chosen an alternative to centralized electrical, water, and sewage systems. Many see the breakdown of traditional forms of community, wasteful consumerist lifestyles, the destruction of natural habitat, urban sprawl, factory farming, and over-reliance on fossil fuels, as trends that must be changed to avert ecological disaster.

Ecovillages see small-scale communities with minimal ecological impact as an alternative. However,

such communities often cooperate with peer villages in networks of their own (see Global Ecovillage

Network for an example(. This model of collective action is similar to that of Ten Thousand Villages,

which supports the fair trade of goods worldwide.

Ecovillage

If you’re our loyal reader you should remember amazing eco concept of Vincent Callebaut – Lilypad. But Vincent continues to pump out amazing concepts of futuristic eco systems. This time inspired by the organic form of coral he has created utopian eco villages for for 1,000 Haitian families affected in 2010 by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. This village is called “Coral Reef”. Built upon seismic piers off the coast of the mainland, the prefabricated, modular units can be fit into a wave-like matrix as space is needed. Each family would have a plot of land to grow their own food. A canyon flows between two rows of housing and is filled with a tropical ecosystem for the local fauna and the flora. Aquaculture farms and grey water recycling plants filter and process the water before sending it into the sea. The entire complex is carbon neutral and powered via a number of different renewable energy sources. Power would be generated from thermal energy conversion under the pier, marine currents, vertical axis wind turbines, and solar photovoltaics.

Eco Village “Coral Reef” by Vincent Callebaut

A new style of community-building by G-PROJECT Inc. ,with the combined efforts of Shiga Prefecture (whose government puts an emphasis on humans, nature and creativity), Omihachiman City (which aims to protect its environment and culture), and other local organizations. The Kobunaki Ecovillage expects to have 372 households on 15 hectares of land in 2010. One of the main features of this ecovillage is its vegetable garden which is located on each house plot.

UK will soon be building 195 zero carbon homes by the end of this year with the first homes expected to be completed by 2010. Developed by HTA Architects, the Hanham Hall Eco Village can be the largest eco-friendly village in UK, as it occupies 6.6 hectare of space. This former hospital in Bristol will be renovated and refurbished and transform it into a community center. The 195 homes will be built using energy efficient materials that are recycled from the existing buildings in the site. Aside from the sustainable materials, an on-site biomass CHP plant will power all of the 195 homes to promote eco-lifestyle.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecovillagehttp://

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/http://www.manitouarbor.org