About this issue
Ecovillages are arguably seen as “pioneers of change.” Yet, thus far, little light has been shed on their potential to effect change beyond their own borders. This issue of RCC Perspectives presents a much needed overview of research on ecovillages, looking at the history and philosophy of utopias and presenting case studies and ongoing research from across the globe. It addresses whether ecovillages can serve as models for a cultural transformation, and shows how researchers and activists could and are collaborating in the quest for utopia, all the while inviting readers to explore what it means to live “the good life.”
How to cite: Andreas, Marcus, and Felix Wagner (eds.), “Realizing Utopia: Ecovillage Endeavors and Academic Approaches,” RCC Perspectives 2012, no 8. doi.org/10.5282/rcc/5598.
Content
- Introduction by Marcus Andreas and Felix Wagner
On the Ground
- The Ecovillage: A Model for a More Sustainable, Future-Oriented Lifestyle? by Michael Würfel
- We Never Lock Our Doors by Diana Leafe Christian
- Utopian Struggle: Preconceptions and Realities of Intentional Communities by Bill Metcalf
- Ideals and Practices of European Ecovillages by Louise Meijering
Toward the Future
- Realizing Utopia? Reconstructing its Normative Potential by Mara-Daria Cojocaru
- A Culture of Sustainability by Felix Wagner, with commentary by Marcus Andreas
- Ecovillages: Islands of the Future? by Geseko von Lüpke
From the Field
- Ecovillage Research Review by Felix Wagner
- Research in Community: Collaborating for a Culture of Sustainability by Felix Wagner, Marcus Andreas, and Sandra Mende
- The Built Ecovillage: Exploring the Processes and Practices of Eco-Housing by Jenny Pickerill
- An Overview of Research on Ecovillage at Ithaca by Richard W. Franke
- Collaborative Research: Examples and Lessons from a Baltic Sea Project by Anna Kovasna
- “For Whom? For the Future!” Ecovillage Sieben Linden as a Model and Research Project by Marcus Andreas and Felix Wagner