Renato, Organic Architecture and Permaculture “The ideal union”
Organic architecture is a philosophy of architecture which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world through design approaches so sympathetic and well integrated with its site that buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition. Modern organic buildings are never linear or rigidly geometric. Instead, wavy lines and curved shapes suggest natural forms. It´s architecture which evolves from and blends with the environment.
The idea of “Organic Architecture” refers not only to the buildings’ literal relationship to the natural surroundings, but how the buildings’ design is carefully thought about as if it were a unified organism. From the windows, to the floors, to the individual chairs intended to fill the space. Everything relates to one another, reflecting the symbiotic ordering systems of nature.
In organic architecture the design should be sustainable and inspired by nature and like a seed…be adaptable and flexible so that it grows, unfolds and flows from the site itself. It should be unique in spirit and express the most profound feelings of the artist/architect.
For Renato, architecture is a logical consequence of sculpture. In his sculptural works he has always given importance to interior spaces, which has generated in him an aesthetic understanding of architecture. Actually, many of his sculptures can be interpreted as “fantastic architecture”. In 1998 Renato created his first architectonic work, the “Natural Home”, outside of Cancun and owned by Mrs. Adriana Alvarez. In this house you can see a clear example of Renato´s style of sculpture being applied to architecture.
For Renato, a habitable space should start with organic volumes, almost entirely without straight walls and corners. This produces a visual continuity where all of the elements are integrated and where one space leads you to another. Integration with the entire natural environment, through the use of local raw materials (wood, stone, etc.) is also of utmost importance because it makes it appear that the construction is growing out of the earth. Since respect for nature must be reflected in his work the use of sustainable technology is vital.
“Permaculture, which deals with the application of ethics and principles of universal designs in planning, development, maintenance, organization and the preservation of living spaces capable of self sustainability has allowed me to see, more clearly, how architecture and environment can work together in harmony, not only on an esthetic level, but on a practical level as well. So, while the organic home provides the living conditions that can provide a feeling of a union with nature through the blending in with the surrounding landscape, the practical experience of permaculture, which includes the production of food, the saving of energy, and the preservation of natural resources allows for a definite contribution to the environmental and social crises that we are presently living in.”
Renato has been able to express this inter-relationship and co-existence between organic architecture and permaculture through the construction of his home and that of Adriana Alvarez. If you would like to take a look go here
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May 7, 2009
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ABOUT THE ORGANIC VILLAGE
May 6, 2009
The Organic Village
The Organic Village welcomes groups who are interested in an holistic approach to sustainable living, health and the arts.
Presently we offer the following group services:
Temazcal – Mayan Steam Bath
Therapeutic flotation tank
Message Therapy
Yoga Classes
Ceramic classes
Permaculture courses and workshops
Didgeridoo instruction
Location
The Organic Village occupies 2.4 acres in a rural, tropical wooded area, located 2 miles west of the town of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Our Mission
To be a meeting point for individuals and groups who are interested in finding equilibrium with themselves, the community and the environment, through the learning and practice of permaculture, holistic health and the arts.
Objectives
1) Create self-sustaining systems which produce organic foods that will satisfy the basic needs of the habitants and guests of the Organic Village (i.e. eco-technologies, seed banks, organic gardens and composts, orchards, area for sprouting, areas for chickens, turkeys and other animals of value to the system, acuaculture, etc.)
2) Develop an alternative for tourism that emphasizes culture, health and the arts while promoting a respectful contact with nature and the local culture.
3) Provide lodging for individuals and groups that are interested in participating in the activities of the Organic Village.
4) Work with other groups with similar interests in permaculture in order to exchange ideas and knowledge thus promoting growth and understanding.
5) Create special areas that will provide the benefits of holistic medicine, including therapies, rituals and experiences based on natural elements (i.e. traditional Mayan medicine, relaxation massages, flotation tank, acupuncture, yoga, etc.)
6) Create special areas that will focus on the arts, including workshops, courses, a salon and an art gallery. (i.e. ceramic and clay workshop, workshop focusing on the ancestral practices of the Mayans and their philosophy, African and pre-hispanic dance courses, a multi-use salon for presentations with an emphasis on self development and knowledge of the self i.e. yoga, meditation, etc.)
7) The Organic Village restaurant and kitchen – To offer to the habitants, guests and locals the opportunity to enjoy the nutritious meals prepared with the organic products from the gardens and orchards.
8) The Organic Village store – To offer a large variety of organic products produced locally and brought from other areas of Mexico
Other attractions: a cenote (natural sweet water spring) 60 ft. long, a child´s play area, picnic areas and nature
