for Holistic, Sustainable
Land Planning and Design
The Nature Connection workshops are
a unique component of holistic landscape planning and are highly valuable in
the process of creating site plans and designs that are in harmony with the environment.
The workshops bring forth outcomes that are grounded in true sensitivity and sustainability.
Onelove
Livity leads a range of onsite workshops to inform the planning process enhance
the development of master plans. These workshops have been conducted for the following projects:
Costa
Rica: Ario Ranch Ecolodge development. February 2008
What do the
Workshops Involve?
The workshops are conducted on-site
in the natural areas of the land where any site development is proposed to take
place. They are structured to take into account the views of the clients,
contractors and any staff or family members and facilitate open and insightful
communication between all stakeholders. The participants are taken through a
series of activities that allow them to enjoy genuine sensory connection to the
ecosystem and report back on their discoveries through written work and verbal
group communication. The workshops can last anywhere between 3 hours to a full
day.
What are the
Outcomes?
Through participation in the
workshops all participants are able to connect to the land and hold a larger
vision of the project as they see it from a wider and long term perspective. The
connection to the environment brings forth deeper perspectives that lead to more
sensitive planning and design
The connection work strengthens
the commitment to the protection of the natural environments and creating
developments that are in harmony with the ecosystem so that they can be
preserved and enjoyed at the same time.
The workshops are also seen as a
great technique for personal development which encourage a meditative approach,
enhanced creativity and better communication skills.
What are the
Deliverables of the Consultancy?
A
uniquely designed workshop tailored to the needs of the client
Work
within schedule to create workshops that maximise the onsite visit of the
consultants
Providing
all the material required to conduct the workshop
Hosting
of the workshops
Full
write-up, analysis and evaluation of the workshops to inform the
development of the Master Plan
Examples
from Participants
The following are excerpts from
the participants at various workshops after they have taken part in the
activities:
“I feel like I already had a
connection to the land but the exercise was important in bringing a spiritual
connection with the land. It is important to incorporate places into the master
plan to have that spiritual connection.”
“They have helped me see the
larger picture and connect with all the elements of the land; the rivers, the
estuaries, the wildlife, the cosmology, the trees, the forest and the ocean.”
“Design is more than a one way
process and we need to take time to listen to the land before taking
irreversible steps.”
“I felt calm
and at peace with positive good vibrations. I enjoyed the creative aspect about
writing in the journals, sharing our thoughts and listening to the group.”
“Positive
thoughts, creative energy, connectedness to the land and my family, a sense of
appreciation and feeling lucky to be surrounded by such an incredible
landscape.”
The majority of respondents who complete
the contemplation review form at the end of the workshops feel that this type
of nature connection would be of value to future guests as a way for them to
immerse deeper into the natural experience, transform their views on nature
that may have an impact on their daily lives on returning home. This informs
the master plan by creating or leaving areas that are completely natural and
undeveloped for people to be in environments where nature surrounds them and is
completely undisturbed by human interventions.
TESTIMONIALS
“This workshop is professionally run and Terri is an
awesome facilitator.” Hitesh Mehta ~ Ecolodge designer& Author of ‘International Ecolodge
Guidelines’
“I believe that our guests are seeking a connection
to nature and would enjoy these type of activities”
Manager of the ‘Lodge at Chaa
Creek’ ~ Winner "Best Eco Lodge
Award" Caribbean Travel & Life 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006
“It is a perfect opportunity to connect with others and our
surroundings in a thoughtful and vital way”
Jonas ~
Design Director
“Humans and nature can once again become one.”
George ~ Architect
ARTICLES
First Ecopsychology Workshop
Conducted in Dominica
