Experts

Among our number are people with a wide variety of backgrounds. They have education, experience, knowledge and talents that probably cover most common areas of interest. When we start to actually design the Citadel, we need to draw on these backgrounds for advise. I think this is especially true for critical skills and resources that the Citadel may be able to aid or enhance by design. I'll give a couple of examples to illustrate what I'm talking about.

Our beekeeper is an example of a critical skill and resource. Besides the benefit of local honey there is the pollination of our food crops that comes from having a local bee colony. When it comes time to build, our beekeeper should be asked if there is anything we can do to improve the safety and performance of his colony. Maybe a special walled section for the bee hives or some sort of niches built into the south facing wall (for sunshine/warmth maybe?). I don't know the answer and that is the point. We need to ask the person who would know.

 Another example is designing our shooting ranges and training areas. Someone like John Moseby (http://mountainguerrilla.blogspot.com/) could be asked for advice. Even if he doesn't want to live in or around the Citadel he might be sympathetic to our cause and be willing to help. He has demonstrated both extensive knowledge of unconventional and small unit warfare and an ability to effectively teach his subject. The after action reports by those who have taken his training are very positive. And, who knows, after having our training facilities designed to his specifications, he might decide to join us. We would then have the benefit of his expertise and he would have the benefit of a first class training environment to offer his classes in. It's worth asking!

 Our friend at wildcookery could be consulted on what edible plants could be used in the landscaping of the Citadel. Making the most use of our available space improves our chances of being successful.

Basically, any area that benefits a large portion of the Citadel population in any way is a good candidate for getting expert opinion early on in the process. Using the design of the Citadel to improve the benefits or performance of that area would pay off in the long term.

 As you cruise the internet and go about your daily life, look for people and information that can help us make the Citadel more productive, more secure and more successful. And, any suggestions for possible design features to consider would be helpful.

VJ