* Dissertation: Expanding Design Space(s). Design in Communal Endeavours. By Andrea Botera. Aalto University, 2013. Description “The present study explores collective design processes that both closely tied communities and emergent collectives are increasingly engaging in. The hypothesis was that collaborative design in these settings is better understood at the intersection of the evolution of the… Continue reading
Movement of the Day: the Tech Co-op Network
“a network of Worker-Owned Tech Collectives: “worker cooperatives (businesses owned and democratically controlled by our workers) offering a wide range of media, communications, and computer technology goods and services.” Brian Van Slyke explains: “On in late October, 18 worker co-ops joined together to launch the Tech Co-op Network. The Network’s purpose is to take cooperation… Continue reading
Is cyberlibertarianism undermining the future of the left ?
Excerpted from David Golumbia: (the whole article is well worth reading, though in my opinion, it advocates a sectarian view of the left, that would preclude it to seek commonality with other social forces) “If digital communication technology promotes leftist values, why has its spread coincided with such a stark decline in the Left’s political… Continue reading
Podcast of the Day: Richard Heinberg on the End of Growth
Here’s a two-in one podcast special featuring Richard Heinberg. First up is a segment from our friends at The Extraenviromentalist Podcast, followed by a Q&A between Heinberg and the Post-Carbon Institute. Heinberg on The Extraenviromentalist: http://xepodcast.com/extraenvironmentalist/028-at-growths-end.mp3 European economies are teetering on the brink of collapse as low rates of GDP growth are no longer able… Continue reading
Toward Resilient Architectures 3: How Modernism Got Square
by Michael Mehaffy, Nikos A. Salingaros, originally published by MetropolisMag.com As we enter a transition era that demands far greater resilience and sustainability in our technological systems, we must ask tough new questions about existing approaches to architecture and settlement. This comes as post-occupancy evaluations show that many new buildings, as well as retrofits of some… Continue reading
Can 3D Printing Lead to Mass Manufacturing ?
Excerpted from ARJUN BHARADWAJ: “Industrial scale 3D printers have for a long time now threatened to change the face of traditional assembly line manufacturing, but it hasn’t really kicked-off the revolution yet. The greatest known limitation of additive manufacturing is its inability to mass-produce. To replace the millions of parts manufactured daily in an assembly… Continue reading
6 Ways Community Currencies Could Learn From Bitcoin
6 Ways Community Currencies Could Learn From Bitcoin by Joel Dietz Alternative currency evangelists have long had a tough, uphill battle to fight. Despite some notable current examples, including Berkshares, Chiemgauer, and Brixton Pound, many community currencies have a hard time getting started, and gradually fizzle out after time due to lack of enthusiasm. Bitcoin,… Continue reading
The Role of Cooperatives in Societal Transition
Excerpted from Gavin Mendel-Gleason and James O’Brien: “The question of which system is desirable, in detail, is quite important. Unfortunately we cannot determine in abstract which system will work best and what problems will develop, though we can make guesses. To fully understand the consequences of an economic system can only be decided experimentally. This… Continue reading
The Experience of Commonness is necessary for the political revitalization of the West
Excerpted from Slawomir Sierakowski of the Polish group Krytyka: “What may really persuade people to come together is common experience as the experience of commonness. It is undertakings rather than abstract theory. In today’s world, it is not the argument or emotion that can form social bonds, but common actions that build real and long-term… Continue reading
Podcast of the day: The Extraenviromentalist: Carbon Democracy
From our friends at The Extraenviromentalist Podcast, whom we’ll be featuring regularly on the P2P blog. From the episode notes: “The ideas we have about our government systems have been dramatically shaped by the energy sources that power them. If the physical characteristics of coal and oil have developed the expectations of our 20th century… Continue reading