Space-EX
Transformation of unused urban spaces for community, education and experimentation.
Leader
Mathew Gaddes
Location
Mile Ex Montreal, NY 11215
About the project
Français à suivre
Space- Ex began during the long winter months of Montreal as an idea to create a grassroots green/cultural/educational hub where we could experiment and learn. Without space, nor the means to acquire it through normal means, we made contact with the owner of an unused urban lot located in the Mile-Ex area of Rosemont Petite Patrie, who was happy to see the property given such a use. In early May 2014 we started collectively working on the space and it didn’t take long before things began to develop from weeds and rubbish, into a burgeoning grassroots project.
From the beginning, our ethic has been the 4 Rs - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle and Recovery. Almost all the materials used to date have been sourced from re-utilized urban waste such as pallets, discarded plywood, old doors and windows and empty plastic barrels.
We see the potential of this project to initialize positive social change around it and we would like to build upon this foundation next year with new ideas and new projects. With the funds, we will be able to access the materials and tools needed to improve the original space-ex and also transform at least two more spaces in 2015. Each of these new projects will include a unique physical transformation which will be decided collectively with interested community members and in dialogue with the landowner. We want that these spaces are for everybody to use and benefit from. The point of all this is to see more people meeting, building relationships, facilitating partnerships and creating learning possibilities for all those involved.
Our momentum this year has been good, but due to a lack of financial resources we have been unable to finalise some things, namely our aquaponic system. Unfortunately, we were not able to find all our materials in the street and we need some funding to make this project grow and the system function.
The Steps
The transformation of the space has happened in different stages and we were fortunate to have the support of friends and many people in the community to help us realise many of them.
1. cleared out weeds and garbage. Moved the front fence forward 5 metres.
2. acquired some basic initial tools (borrowed, built and purchased)
3. designed the space and its components.
4. created the garden zones with raised beds and planted out heirloom vegetables
5. built the pallet cabin and installed water barrels
6. constructed various aspects of the aquaponic system and greenhouse
7. installed and inoculated with oyster mushrooms an experimental hugulkultur system
8. installed a structure to support our film projector
9. introduced a beehive
Throughout the development of all these stages the Space-Ex also hosted a number of open events including workshops, barbecues, shared meals, music and projections of documentaries and films.
What is to come:
1. The installation of a solar panel to run the electrical components of the aquaponic
greenhouse.
2. The purchase of more basic tools to facilitate workshops and work sessions
3. Buying a bike trailer to move the materials (and save our backs)
4. The continued development of small scale urban agriculture and cultural projects within the original Space-Ex
5. the development of other unused spaces in the neighbourhood (one already confirmed with owner)
6. workshops will run throughout the entire season.
- Examples of the workshops we hope to include: the ecology of soil, DIY spirulina production, bioremediation, beekeeping, discussion of the hugulkultur technique, microgreens, the production of energy with bikes, composting, open source GardenManager and GardenMonitor systems (in collaboration with Sensorica), hydroponic and aquaponic systems, DIY solar heaters, DIY solar dehydrators, solar energy, graffiti making and moss graffiti, the fabrication of soap, beer making, and seeds saving.
7. there will also be the continued projection of films as well as music and cultural events on a regular basis.
Why we‘re doing it
Our initial goals were to have a place where we could experiment and test a number of prototypes for urban food production, but they quickly transformed. What was essentially a group project soon became a community initiative, a work space, an experimental site and a gathering spot.
As the project began to take form and the space began to transform, more and more people began to get involved and invest their time and energies. Whilst there is a core group of 5 or so people who facilitate the general activities, there are many supporters, including the neighbours, members of the local business community, friends and other actors in the city who participate at events. It is the willingness and the participation of these people that encourages us to continue with the project. We value highly the place of grassroots movements in social change and feel that this project valorises the development of sustainable livelihoods, alternative economies and a thriving, healthy cultural life.
Awards!
If you give...
- $500: You get a landscape design for your backyard. We will provide you with a garden design, integrating permaculture concepts based on your available space and lifestyle.
- $200: Host a film screening with Cinema Out of the Box (Bike powered). The first person/group in the city of Montreal will have the occasion to host a film of their choice at the location of their choice and we will be there to make sure the system works properly.
- $40: 20 people within Canada: We will send you a selection of seeds from our seedbank.
- $10: unlimited donors. A play list of local musicians that we love… so you can explore some of the city’s music.
KEEP IN MIND THAT YOUR DONATIONS WILL BE DOUBLED BY THE MONTREAL URBAN ECOLOGY CENTRE TO A MAXIMUM OF $2,000 DOLLARS.
ESPACE-Ex
Transformation d'espaces urbains inexploités pour la communauté, l'éducation et l'expérimentation
Le project
Les étapes
Pourquoi nous le faisons
Récompenses!
Si vous donnez...
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$500: Vous recevez un aménagement paysager pour votre jardin. Nous vous fournirons un plan intégrant les concepts de permaculture en fonction de votre mode de vie et de l’espace disponible.
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$ 200: Pour la première personne ou le premier groupe à Montréal, nous organisons une cyclo-projection de film (presque comme au cinéma) en partenariat avec Cinéma Out of the Box. Vous aurez l'occasion de pouvoir visionner un film de votre choix à l'endroit que vous choisirez et nous serons là pour s'assurer le bon fonctionnement du système.
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$ 40: Les vingt premières personnes au Canada recevront une sélection de semences locaux et non OGM de notre banque de semences.
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$10: Nous vous ferons découvrir une playlist made in Montréal que nous aimons ... comme ça vous pourrez découvrir Montréal en musique…
Chaque don est doublement important pour faire grandir ce projet, puisque le centre d'écologie urbaine de montréal s'est engagé à doubler chaque don jusqu'à 2000$!