SITUATION:
-
A vast amount of land wasted, with no function, used for shortcuts, contributing to the aura
of disrepair in the area
No sense of community or communal activities
No healthy shops within the vicinity of the estate – those that existed have now closed
No location, in close proximity which offers cheap healthy foods
The herb garden in the community centre is locked away solely for use by the community
centre’s kitchen
CONSIDERATIONS:
-
-
-
How to recreate a sense of community by providing activities which can be undertaken by
many at a time.
Consult with the community about what foods they eat and why – and which ones they
don’t and why. The reason that people avoid eating fruits and vegetables because they are
too expensive is a real reason which can be addressed through the addition of communal
gardens
Allow community ownership of the area, or at the very least, of one’s own allotments.
Provide one with the choice of whether they would like to share land (and food) with other
residents, or whether they would prefer their own individual allotment. This then brings
them into the idea of being able to run a business – where not only do they feed themselves,
but they are able to sell or exchange with others to obtain a wider variety of food
The potential to run a weekly or fortnightly market where exchange of food grown happens.
Creating a more sustainable area – environmentally, socially and financially.
Create an environment where people can occupy themselves at certain times in the week by
offering a rewarding experience.
A 2005 UNSW study carried out in nine public housing estates: by Bruce Judd and Dr Rob
Samuels (AHURI UNSW-UWS Research Centre) proved that community food gardening was
effective in reducing the incidence of crime.
OUTCOMES:
Community Gardens:
-
Growing your own fresh food in your local community garden is a new way to healthy eating
practised by an increasing number of Australians
A way to grow a sense of place and community
Grow, share and eat fresh, locally grown food
Make the areas socially and environmentally sustainable
Easy access to fresh, nutritious food
Locally grown food
Fewer ‘food miles’ – measure of energy and pollution to move the food from farm to home
Sense of achievement in being able to grow own food
Making friends with neighbours and other people who live in the area and who garden
Healthy outdoor exercise gained from gardening
-
-
Constructive and productive recreational activity
Improve local environment
Skills:
o Gardening
o Shared decision making
o Cooperation
Caring for an area of land coupled with the above creates a sense of place and identity
Sense of community = safer and constructive environment
Community gardens are safe places for families.
Typically a combination of two types of gardens (type can be chosen by residents)
o Allotment Gardens
 Gardeners have their own garden plot
o Shared Gardens
 Gardeners have responsibility for the entire garden
 Do whatever work needs to be done at the time
 Take a share of what they grow
BasketBall Courts:
-
Street Soccer approach
Environmental:
-
Wind Graphs