This morning I wrote a couple of new sections of the plan. Thought I’d share some of it and get feedback. As you can see from the AI visualisation, this is an idea that’s still forming…
The Field provides a sense of community, something that’s missing from many lives.
One of the problems I have experienced with urban co-working spaces is that they can intensify feelings of isolation if all they provide is a desk. For people to feel part of something, there needs to be some shared purpose.
Rural skills
Once a week there will be a workshop in a traditional rural craft, such as wattling, or dry stone walling. For the rest of the week, guests will be able to work, unattended, in small groups as a break from their daily grind on The Fence or The Wall, ongoing community projects which form a lasting testament to the contributions of visitors.
There will also be occasional evening masterclasses hosted by local artisans, for example, cheesemaking, wood carving and preserving.
Digital skills
Skill sharing will work the other way too. Some members of the rural economy are intimidated by technology and we will organise regular sessions to demystify things like websites, social media, automation and AI. These could be hosted by guests, as many of our digital nomad guests will be freelancers who could really help local businesses.
Tastings
In the evenings, there will be sampling of local produce, eg cider and cheese. Events will serve as excellent networking opportunities for all involved.
We will of course offer sociable games opportunities, such as pool and table tennis. There will be a programme of board and card games, in collaboration with a games café. Certain games, such as Catan and cribbage, will become part of the tradition, and there will be opportunities for newcomers to learn the house games.
Unlike urban coworking spaces, we will also be able to offer sociable, inclusive outdoor games, such as Ultimate Frisbee and Touch Rugby.
Classes
There will be weekly yoga and meditation sessions, hosted by local practitioners.
Phones and social media policy
The Field will give people a break from their ever-intensifying phone addiction. Phones will only be allowed in the office space. During social events they will be locked away, apart from designated photo opportunity times.
We will offer a phone guardianship service, enabling people to turn off their phone with confidence. If a family member needs to contact them with something important, the text can trigger a ‘paging’ message on the site’s digital signage.
Anyone turning up with an Apple Vision Pro will be asked to leave and not come back!
