When we design holistic ecosystems, we start with mapping out desired and required functions THEN search for, select and/or design elements/systems that provide those functions in a way that aligns with the site-specific context.
This is contrasted with how most people “design” systems – they see an ad or read an article and like the thing or the method/technique they see, and then say “I want thing A” or “I’m going to do technique B” on my land.
And then systems start being built around these sexy, cool things that are out of alignment with the context of time and place.
Today I hope I can convince you that starting your homestead design (or re-design) by first assessing your desired and required functions – and thus creating a map of functions and functional outcomes that you require to support your chosen Quality of Life – that you can then much more quickly and effectively design or select the appropriate elements to populate your design.
This is functions-first design, and I encourage everyone to at least give function mapping a try when designing their homesteads.
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