Full Permaculture Design Course, Chiaverano, Italy

Full Permaculture Design Course (PDC)
Chiaverano, Italy
May 17 - 29, 2011

During this intensive two-week design course we will explore reasons for change, how Permaculture has developed, and the natural consequences of where we are heading, negatively or positively. As instructors we will deliver the maximum understanding and empowerment in the shortest time possible. Focus on methodology, urban and rural land based system, transition towns, social art and activism.

We will focus on the application of Permaculture though an understanding of underlying principles and applications. Our emphasis will be to stimulate participants into transforming their habitual perspectives by offering fresh points of view, alternative techniques, technologies, so that they may adapt their experience to new applications and situations. The workshop will include theory and hands-on design work as well as field trips. The course offers a shared vocabulary and opportunity to connect with others interested in a more humane and local economy to support future generations.

Cost 600 Euros to be paid upon arrival. Early registration discount: 550 Euros if paid up until April 17th. Application form sent upon request.
Fee covers instruction, facilities, certificate and course materials. Food and lodging not included. Participants may camp or stay in a nearby bed and breakfast - a list of accommodations will be provided. 

This course meets requirements of the Permaculture certification course developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. Upon completion of the full design course participants will receive a certificate of Permaculture Design.


Where:
The course will be held at Cascina Remondenca, a 19th century farmhouse perched in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Located on the Villa Francegena or Pilgrims Trail (which begins in Canterbury UK and stretches to Rome), the house sits on the rim of a nature preserve with dozens of walking trails. Fruit trees surround the house on terraces along with a garden and vineyards. Chiaverano prides itself as cittaslow (slowcity) applying the philosophy and concepts of slowfood to local communities and governments of towns.         
www.comune.chiaverano.to.it/

Instructors:
Course will be led in English by John Button, Marguerite Kahrl and associates. Both John Button and Marguerite Kahrl studied under the co-founder of Permaculture, Bill Mollison. They both have experience teaching, building, gardening, and designing in diverse regions.

John Button, Permaculture designer, educator and consultant, with over thirty years experience in Australia, South and South East Asia, and Europe, through broadly diverse climatic, social and economic conditions, working with individuals, institutions, commercial enterprises and on his own behalf.

His design approach is based on the Principles of Permaculture, adapted specifically to each situation, including climate and culture. The particular qualities of every landscape and the people involved with it need to be individually considered.
www.johnbutton-permaculture.net

Marguerite Kahrl, Artist, Permaculture designer and educator with 15 years of experience implementing principles and philosophy of Permaculture in the context of homesteads and social art projects. In her artwork, Marguerite Kahrl approaches systems thinking from a playful angle, manipulating messages and media to instigate social engagement. Her idiosyncratic constructions highlight our complex relationship with energy and the land.
For example, Kahrl's remote controlled vehicles describe a cycle of resource consumption. These elaborate machines are constructed from junkyard parts and operate on a by-product of organic waste: methane, a landfill gas.
www.kahrl.com

contact: marguerite@kahrl.com