The shape and needs of the community are not yet crystal clear. If we said we're going to start designing it so that we have 5,000 square feet of books and 2,000 square feet of conference space and a 3,000 square foot tea house, by the time it opens, book sales may plummet by fifteen percent, two tea houses may open in downtown Berkeley and workshop registration in this area may go through the ceiling. You have to design a space that gives you the widest possible opportunity for redirecting the outlay of resources with the largest possible opportunity for change. So we're going to create an empty shell so we can really move things around as the need arises. The Internet has become such a major player that Patrice thinks it would be wise for GAIA to sell books that way too.
New forms demand new language.
As usual, Berkeley will have to lead the way in defining this new way for community to gather. No doubt the ancient form of kindred spirits coming together in council for wisdom in decision-making will become part of the new place. We wouldn't do any planning for the future of GAIA without involving a larger community of people in a wisdom circle again. A deeper truth has emerged from the process launched by wisdom circles. We need support structures for this embryonic lifestyle to stay alive.