Mars College is an off-grid community of 30-150 residents, designed to function like a small, efficient photoautotrophic cell. It harnesses solar energy to power all its processes, sequesters carbon, and supports its inhabitants in a tightly-knit, sustainable lifestyle. ![[Pasted image 20241011025215.png]] ## Key Infrastructure Components 1. **Solar Energy Capture (Chloroplast Analogue)** - Central solar array, sized appropriately for the community - Supplementary portable solar panels for flexibility - Solar thermal collectors for water heating - Greenhouses for food production 2. **Energy Storage (Thylakoid Analogue)** - Small-scale battery bank, possibly using repurposed electric vehicle batteries - Flywheel energy storage for short-term, high-efficiency storage - Biomass storage (e.g., wood) as backup energy source 3. **Carbon Capture and Utilization (Calvin Cycle Analogue)** - Small algae pond for CO2 absorption and biomass production - Biochar production from solid waste biomass for carbon sequestration and soil enhancement - Intensive tree planting and permaculture design for natural carbon capture 4. **Water Management (Central Vacuole Analogue)** - Rainwater harvesting system with central storage tank - Constructed wetland for natural water purification - Composting toilets to conserve water and produce fertilizer 5. **Waste Processing (Lysosome Analogue)** - Communal composting system for organic waste - Small anaerobic digester for biogas production - Upcycling workshop for repurposing and repairing items 6. **Food Production (Chloroplast and Calvin Cycle Analogue)** - Intensive permaculture gardens integrated throughout the community - Small greenhouses for year-round production and seedling starting - Agroforestry system combining fruit and nut trees with understory crops 7. **Transportation (Cytoskeleton Analogue)** - Shared electric bicycles and unicycles and solar golf carts for internal transport - A few shared electric vehicles for necessary external trips - Well-maintained walking paths connecting all areas 8. **Information and Control Systems (Nucleus Analogue)** - Energy management system to balance generation and use - Community bulletin board (physical and digital) for coordinating daily activities - Environmental monitoring setup (weather station, soil sensors) 9. **Shelter Design (Cell Membrane Analogue)** - Mix of permanent eco-friendly structures (e.g., earthships, strawbale homes) and semi-permanent structures (yurts, tiny homes, vehicles) - Natural building materials sourced locally where possible - Emphasis on passive solar design and natural temperature regulation ![[Pasted image 20241011022625.png]] ## A Day in the Life of Mars College Inhabitants 1. **Morning** - Community members wake with the sun in their naturally lit dwellings - Breakfast often features food from the community gardens and greenhouses - Morning circle to coordinate daily tasks and check on community wellbeing 2. **Work** - Rotational chore system for sharing essential tasks: tending gardens, maintaining energy systems, preparing communal meals, etc - Specialized work sessions: crafting, teaching, external remote work if applicable, video conferences with other communities around the world. - Ongoing projects like natural building or developing new infrastructure, and improving old ones. 3. **Midday** - Communal lunch prepared from fresh harvest - Siesta or quiet time during peak sun hours to conserve energy 4. **Afternoon** - Educational activities: skill-sharing workshops, sustainability lessons for children, design sprints, work parties. - Maintenance of community systems: cleaning solar panels, managing compost, tending to water systems in volunteer teams 5. **Evening** - Communal dinner, often cooked using biogas or solar cookers, or solar electric energy - Storytelling, music, or discussions around a central gathering fire - Planning sessions for upcoming projects or community decisions 6. **Night** - Minimal artificial lighting to conserve energy - Presence detection of ![[Pasted image 20241010225212.png]] ## Continuous Processes - Passive solar design and thermal mass in buildings regulate temperature - Anaerobic digester continuously processes organic waste - Rainwater collection system automatically fills storage based on rain sensors - Perennial food systems (food forests) grow with minimal intervention ## Symbiotic Relationships - Humans act as caretakers and innovators within the ecosystem, and endosymbiotic organisms within the community - The community's design provides for human needs while regenerating the environment - Integrated animal systems (e.g., chickens, bees) support food production and ecosystem health - Microorganisms in composting and water treatment systems are actively managed for optimal performance ## Governance and Social Structure - Consensus-based decision making for major community choices - Rotating leadership roles to share responsibilities and distribute authority - Emphasis on conflict resolution skills and community-building practices - Regular community meetings and check-ins to ensure all voices are heard ## Education and Skill Development - Experiential learning integrated into daily life - Mentorship programs pairing experienced members with less experienced members, distributing vital knowledge - Regular skill-share workshops covering both practical skills and theoretical knowledge - Emphasis on systems thinking and understanding ecological relationships ## Interaction with Outside World - Hosting educational workshops for visitors interested in sustainable living - Possible eco-tourism or work-exchange programs to share knowledge and gain external input - Internet connection for information exchange and remote work