upon nothing less than a revolution of the latter.” Team Global Living Systems

These are extraordinary times and we face an extraordinary challenge…(A Calling)

We believe that the world should commit itself now to solving our planet’s ecological crisis in order to ensure each inhabitant of earth a dignified existence. Humanity possesses the wisdom, resources, and talents necessary for the “architects” and “decision makers” of our world to blueprint a clear vision for actionable change that is the key to our future on earth. Our world must fully embrace the significant short and long range goals that scientists, engineers and global planners have specified must be met on an urgent schedule and commit our capabilities so as to ensure their fulfillment. No single mission will impact more lives and be more important for life on our planet and none will be so difficult to accomplish.

Addressing the Trimtab Principle… Open-Source Eco-Knowledge Access (A Concept)

The problem is that most actionable (refined) knowledge seems to get stored away as intellectual property, professional services, or goes out of print. In order to access it, you need as much money as the market demands of you which makes attaining it difficult if not impossible for most. In my field of architecture, our built environment has suffered from the lack and implementation of ecological knowledge. Statistically, less that three percent of buildings are designed by architects. In addition, the majority of architects have committed very little to the knowledge and practice of ecologic design.

I once received a DVD of about 20 computer applications without registration keys from an Asian student including some that cost 4-6 thousand dollars if you were to buy them at retail. Pirated software has enabled countless knowledge-hungry citizens of developing countries to attain skills that are out-competing and out-performing those in countries who invented the applications in the first place. I was recently offered a full service 3D modeling services from Malaysia and Vietnam at a fraction of the cost for similar services in the United States. For the most part, I wouldn’t be able to offer my son or daughter the home access to computer software if I was 100% honest and followed such restrictions as the “single-user” software licensing agreement. In another example, I used a book entitled, “Design With Climate” written in 1963 and reprinted in 1992. The book is cited as essential reference material for preparation of the NCARB-ARE tests which are required for Architectural Licensing in the US and Canada. I tried obtaining a copy through Amazon and then had to had to pay an alumni membership fee of $70 a year just to check out the only remaining copy in my university’s library. In my opinion, this book is still “the standard” in addressing the fundamentals of regional bio-climatic design, still relevant now as it was when it was written over 40 years ago. I soon found out how truly rare and precious this book was that I decided to report it lost and paid another $70 in fines. I felt a sense of righteousness despite my dishonesty because I was dedicated to use this knowledge for the greater good. Why was a currently referenced book of such caliber unable to be readily accessed? What ever happened to digitization and the “e-book”? Knowledge access and appreciative ownership has driven my actions which are ironically may carry a hefty jail sentence. I feel sorry for the music industry, then again music is so much better when listened to. The point is that refined knowledge (as an application), is accessed differently around the globe and it can be argued that in situations where for example “pirating” has flourished, so have the advancement of knowledge, skills and the value of human resources.

There is a concept in the software programming industry which enables the acts of “pirating” under defined guidelines known collectively as “open-sourcing”. The practice is supremely more positive because by design, it thrives on the beneficial human attributes of freedom, discovery, opportunity, endeavor, and invention. The Firefox browser (the original Netscape), developed by Mozilla is one of the most successful examples of open-source (opening the software source code) applications which, despite fierce competition, has successfully achieved widespread proliferation through the networked involvement of countless contributors; all for free.

Our trimtab solution proposes to develop the guidelines, protocols, and applications necessary for achieving a successful open-source standard in the fields of ecological design sciences. Not simply Google Earth, a Google search or an online wiki-encyclopedia, but a refined application, “plug-in” or a “mash-up” for depositing, identifying, refining and applying best-in-breed global ecological knowledge (eco-knowledge) principles and practices. It proposes to be a direct descendant and refined evolution of Mr. Fuller’s, “world game” toward the potential of these applications, through the freedom and allure of eco-knowledge open-sourcing that may be the last effort in affecting a revolution for global ecological willingness, empowerment and action.

In order to be effectively implemented, the solution must be presented to larger knowledge based organizations who possess the resources necessary to integrate these solutions on a global scale. Google (Google Earth), IBM and Fujitsu are examples of companies who continue to innovate in the fields of knowledge access, knowledge protocol and knowledge communications. Our solution proposes to share these concepts and actively pursue working relationships with these entities in order to facilitate the creation of such mediums.

G Home Energy Hybrid Type SA v.1.0 Living System Project (An Integrated Open-Source Design Science Demonstration Project) The G Home Energy Hybrid Type SA v.1.0 Living System Project has been design for the purpose of demonstrating and testing the effectiveness of the open-source eco-knowledge access model in a real world application specific to the design science our team is most familiar with; that of architecture, engineering and construction. The plan for our on-going project (hence the v.1.0 designation) is to “open-sourced” the processes and design solutions to the public in order to achieve the desired refinement and proliferation of design applications. A comprehensive set of 25 design parameters was developed prior to designing the home and so the design’s forms and functions are a result of the close adherence to the parameters in achieving the simplest and most efficient design solution (view design parameters at http://www.g797.com). It is interesting to note that the most prolific prefabricated building in history is the Quonset hut developed for the US Navy in 1941 as an all-purpose, lightweight building that could be shipped anywhere and assembled without skilled labor. The G Home Energy Hybrid Type SA (Steel Arch) shares the same form as its ancestor. It is our intention, that through open-sourcing, this and future proposed designs including a types SG, CM and CP can be more widely accessed and implemented, scrutinized, tested and refined to ensure the ongoing development viable living solutions, one of a host of ecological initiatives which must be executed in order to achieve the broader vision of global sustainability.

The concept for super-efficient energy-producing homes and communities falls in line with emerging models proposed in recent articles features in Newsweek and an article written by Al Gore called, “My Turn: The Energy Electranet” which proposes a “smart electric grid” capable of both sending and receiving power. Our proposal for G Home Energy Hybrids working within a network of Energy Micro-Communities reaches beyond solutions for the potential of global micro-centralized energy and into such realms as micro-centralized agriculture, industry and lifelong learning centers.

The initial steps have been taken to complete the first G Home demonstration model and future proposed micro-community. Plans and specifications are completed, a site has been chosen and a property has already been secured for the purpose of constructing the working home in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. The design has undergone energy engineering analysis and has achieved a 44.7% better than standard compliance of California’s strict Title 24 CEC energy efficiency requirements. Our project also has the support of county district officials and planning offices. If constructed, the project will represent the first 100% sustainable home project in the entire Coachella Valley. This is shocking as the area receives on average 364 days of sun annually. Although it has been exhausting, through the gracious support of ecologically-eager friends, professionals and businesses, our team has been able to produce promising results. We have forged working relationships with suppliers; some of who have committed to sponsor some or all of their services and support for our endeavor. In the coming months, our team will be continuing to seek further sponsorship for our project. We are confident that the remaining budget of $420,000 to construct the demonstration home will be achieved through the acquisition of major sponsor/investor, augmented supplier donation and a personal mortgage.

If we are to win this challenge, it is projected that the prize money will be used to supplement our existing efforts for developing the open-source eco-knowledge model. However, under further investigation is the concept that the entire amount of the prize, if well positioned from a marketing standpoint, could open our operation to larger strategic recognition and hence garner increasing support. I still remember US Olympic speedskater, Joey Cheek donating his entire prize money to refugees in the Darfur crisis.

To read more about the vision and progress of the Global Living Systems Team and to read some related articles, please visit http://www.g797.com