Solaqua

Listserve: http://lists.ourproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/sarapis-solaqua

Vision & Prospects

The ideas contained in this section are put forward as a rough design sketch based on convergence of intention by several interested parties as of Sept. 2012 and do not represent a formal commitment or undertaking at this time. It is an open proposal for review, development, support, and collaboration, with several apparent pathways for immediate action and realization.

Solaqua is an emerging program to demonstrate systemic transition--from consumption towards co-production--on a small but compelling scale, in the spirit of art, community, transparency, and productivity.

In response to the compounding problems of a world saddled by debt, Solaqua explores avenues to revive decaying infrastructure of an industrial complex as a hub of open-source eco-social vitality. The project aims to connect overlooked assets with networked capacities for collaborative enterprise, creative expression, and community organizing, to achieve resilient value creation and new cultural aesthetics.

Key elements for revitalization of the mill site base of operations include:

• core team of vision-stewards and coherence-holders for the project
• partnership with existing stakeholders and other aligned entities/individuals
• sustainable income streams which help defray operational/planning costs
• modest investment in housing and food production on site
• research and development of early product offerings
• community (local and online) outreach, enlistment, and crowd(re)sourcing
• open/peer-learning and vocational training via entrepreneurial maker-space
• Community Land Trust planning as a long-term stewardship program

These are designed in modular, replicable, synergistic form--a living systems or organismic approach to social change. The process is cyclical, and self-reinforcing based on demonstrated positive impact.

Proposed Development Tracks

1. Site improvements and renovation
2. Workspace establishment and equipping
3. Sustainable food systems
4. Efficient, modular, mobile housing
5. Media, networking, crowdsourcing
6. Small enterprise development
7. Hacker-maker-space
8. Local community engagement
9. Open Source Ecology GVCS startup

Organizational Forms

1. Solaqua 501(c)3 non-profit maintains site access and oversight
2. Non-profit partners help to operate programs and assist with outreach and finance
3. Enterprise co-op of long-term productive commercial participants
4. Informal online community network of contributors and fans
5. Individual and group projects of shorter duration

Background & Status

Solaqua is a non-profit umbrella organization for a range of progressive community development initiatives at an old industrial mill site in eastern New York state. It is presently a place- and vision-holding entity, with the potential for collaborative activation and partnership toward innovative peer-economy and Open Enterprise ventures, along with ongoing stewardship roles for creative projects in arts, culture, ecology, and community. The Solaqua mill site is the current operating base of the Emerging Leader Labs community-supported enterprise incubation program.

The site consists of extensive industrial and professional workspace in various modes of use and/or disrepair. There is currently an active alternative energy and building efficiency contracting company with large insulated warehouse and workshop, and a mail-order magnetics and green appliances manufacturing business. There is significant undeveloped land on an adjoining parcel that may provide basic habitat systems for seasonal work-trade residents, including agricultural production. Forest products, solar power, and clean water are abundant on the land.

For latest news and opportunity, a discussion and planning Hackpad resides here.

References

Ingenio Santa Ana OSE Documentation is a good example of how an industrial facility can contribute to the OSE project.