The Phi Heat Map
The Phi Heat Map of Mezzacello
I wanted to take a moment and expand on the idea of the Phi Heat Map. I have introduced this idea in a previous blog, The Amended Law of Sustainability, but I find people need more clarification. So here is an in-depth look at this topic.
More Than Borders: The Phi Heat Map
Map of phi
These may look like just a random series of white and yellow cubes and rectangles. They are much more. Each yellow and white rectangle is a sustainable Phi rectangle proportion that I can support and expand predictably while maximizing function and resources.
Sustainability is a map as well as a series of actions.
Jim Bruner
This "Phi Heat Map" (I just made that up and I love it) allows me to see just how far I can stretch inputs and outputs without breaking or wasting them. If I need more, then I must find a way to enclose those interdependent systems RELIABLY within a Golden Rectangle. Sustainability is a map as well as a series of actions.
Decisions on what to use or what can be harvested and grown are made using this Phi Heat Map. I know that if I do not follow this rule of phi, I will eventually fail. More inputs will be required just to approximate sustainability.
Phi Makes a Good Story Great
I love creative writing. Using one's imagination to create multiple outputs from a few creative inputs is an important skill to have in sustainability. Having a map that guides and directs your emphasis and expectations will help with the story as well.
Phi both models and limits growth. Things can only be so small before they become meaningless or too large that they become useless. Phi controls proportions - not growth.
By understanding that the proportions are as or more important than the growth it will become MUCH easier to grow and scale things with ease and confidence. It will also make sustainability front and center. And that is the point of the law of of sustainability.
See For Yourself
I strongly encourage you to try to build a system that models this equation. Remember that time can be both an input and an output. That is why you need to think creatively about BOTH sides of this equation.
Good luck and let me know how you do or - how I can help. Make a map of your space and see if you can maintain this proportion of sustainability. Use tracing paper or a graphic program.
Remember, if you are the alpha animal of your garden, those proportions need to accessible to you as well. Two important ecosystems that are NOT close will NOT be sustainable. Walking takes time and time is both an input AND an output and can be optimized with Phi.
This is a part of the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Summer Grant Grant #1521-2023
