The Design Commons
A shared, slow-burning space to design the village of the future.
Inspired by how programmers around the world collaborate to build free software like Linux, Blender, and GIMP — we asked: why not apply the same approach to designing a village?
How it works
Discourse — a forum built for depth
The online platform that hosts the OPA Design Commons is called Discourse. It provides a space where people come together to exchange ideas, document projects, and develop conversations over time. Unlike fast-moving social media, it allows discussions to grow more thoughtfully — creating a living record of knowledge that others can return to, build on, and learn from.
Common questions
Things people often ask
I'm not tech savvy and I feel intimidated by the learning curve. What should I do?
You're far from alone. Discourse is designed to be one of the gentler online tools — like email threads with structure. We'll point you to short walkthroughs and offer one-on-one orientation calls when needed. If you can write an email, you can contribute to the commons.
What is the long-term vision of the OPA Design Commons?
Over time, the commons becomes a living blueprint — an open, well-documented set of patterns, designs, and lessons that any community could draw on to build a One Planet Agrahood in their own bioregion. Think of it as the village equivalent of an open-source operating system.
How to join
Joining the Online Design Commons
People express interest in becoming an online commoner by filling out a short questionnaire. We are looking for individuals who bring meaningful knowledge gained through hands-on experience with regenerative and sustainable practices — people who have developed insight through consistent observation of natural processes, whether in social or physical landscapes.
Designing a complete village system requires many different skill sets. In the application form, you’ll be asked to identify which part of the project resonates most with you. Our team will reach out to make a personal connection, either online or in person.
All participants agree to a set of shared agreements that help maintain a healthy and productive community.