(Instead of A City)

In this article we’re going to explore the key components that make up a smart village, what they have to offer, and why smart villages are a more interesting option considering the times we live in 2021 and beyond.

Questions & topics we’ll address:

1. What constitutes a smart village
2. What is it like to live in a smart village?
3. Case Studies
4. Cost of living
5. The future of smart villages
   
   

While living in Bali since 2018, I’ve personally lived within smart village communities. Since then I’ve worked alongside an assortment of colleagues to help build and shape developing community models. The things I learned while living in these types of communities showed me different levels of group dynamics while allowing me grow and evolve as an individual.

So let’s dive right in…

Community living around the world is evolving. It’s no longer just for the elderly or for off-grid hippie types looking to start a commune. In today’s western society, it’s common for city-dwellers often encounter the feeling of isolation. Even though metropolitan living quarters may be close in proximity, the sense of genuine and authentic connection seems like a thing of the past to many I’ve spoken with. The bar and restaurant scene, the coffee shop scene, the gym scene, the concert scene, let alone the average costs of these activities simply aren’t tickling everyone’s fancy — and there might be a veritable reason for this.

As we possibly (and emphasis on the word “possibly”) enter a post-epidemic world, the values and behaviors that many people once exhibited have begun to change and evolve. More people are working from home than ever before. The ways we shop have been altered, as online purchases come to the fore. Remote learning is also on the rise, as children and adults alike are able to receive a worthy education outside the traditional classroom. With all these noticeable changes occurring on the world stage, it’s no wonder that the interest and demand for smart villages is on the rise.

What constitutes a smart village?

A smart village is a community development, usually in a rural area, which thrive on participation, innovation, cooperation and alliances with other similarly-minded communities. A successful smart village implies the implementation of creativity and ingenuity, providing solutions which result in overall resilience, and founded upon local strengths and opportunities.

What is it like to live in a smart village?

Depending on which model has been employed for any given smart village, one may encounter many forward thinking components within a community. One of the main goals for most smart villages is for people with similar interests to locate each other, live in a close proximity with each other, trade skills and value with each other, and share responsibilities that benefit and contribute to the entire group’s system of values. It’s quite common and even paramount to work in teams and core groups within most governance models. Strategic meetings may cover a wide range of topics, but usually under the umbrella case of self-sustainability. In this day and age many smart village communities are developing integrations between digital technologies and agricultural endeavors. This may include the use of AI and machine learning in conjunction with food supply and modified farming practices. Alternative forms of education for adults and children alike is another common development, especially within communities that hold families. Skill-share, personal development, art, tech, exercise, leisure and activities related to permaculture are several other typical affairs to notice occurring within a village.

Case Study :

Rajasthan

Until 2014, Dhanora Village within the Dhaulpur district of Rajasthan was known to be covered in trash and defecation. The village is now completely clean, lined with trees, lit with solar lights and contains a meditation center, community center, skill development center and library open to the public. A native to the previously defunct village, Dr. Satyapal Singh Meena, initiated the transformation after attending an eco conference held by the Eco Needs Foundation NGO.

The overall project, including planning with all village members, was a two year effort between 2014-2016. Construction included building new roads, installing over 800 new toilets with proper sewage, street light installation, modifying and beautifying existing structures, redeveloping infrastructure, installing greenfields, an improved school and electronic planning including e-learning installation. Up until the current day, the Dhanora Village Community Center is a place for villagers of all ages to conduct meetings, discuss agricultural advancement and future development projects.

Bali

Here in Bali, one of the main smart community projects we’ve kept our eyes on is The Sanctuary. Founded in 2019 and located on 2.3 hectares between the popular hotspots of Ubud and Canggu, The Sanctuary is targets professionals who envision more depth, meaning and purpose in their lives. This would include remote workers, facilitators, experience creators, social impact investors, artists and entrepreneurs who value community, healthy living, freedom, growth and giving back.

Health & wellness, human connection, nutrition, work life balance and even bio-hacking are some of the key elements implemented into The Sanctuary’s community model. The site facilities include two yoga shalas, a co-working space, gym, sauna, cold plunge, hot tub, workshop spaces, treatment rooms and an amphitheater for presentations.

Our favorite unique aspect about The Sanctuary community is the initiative to accept tokenization into their model. For instance, if a qualified workshop facilitator hosts an event at The Sanctuary, 50% of the revenue is paid out
in cash, while the remaining 50% is paid in tokens. On top of that, anyone who who organizes a retreat at The Sanctuary will receive 15% of the total payout in tokens.

Two other perks worth highlighting is that the Sanctuary’s token holder is also its mother company. Located in Panama, this company owns the Indonesian operation and possesses the leasehold property. They also have two corporate entities set up using blockchain technology. These two components add extra security for investors and do come with certain tax advantages.

As an aside, The Sanctuary currently has major plans set out to continue development, expanding 10 available units into 40, and the completion of permaculture and garden arrangements. Right now The Sanctuary is happily accepting investors and unit buyers alike.

Cost of Living In A Smart Village

Depending on which village you decide is right for you or your family, the cost of living in a smart village can vary, however, our research has shown it to be considerably less than standard western living costs. If we were to use rough estimates from an established, yet growing Bali smart village community, you might find, on average, Bali’s living costs to be about 1/3 (or less) than in the U.S. For example, during phase one, a one bedroom unit in The Sanctuary, will cost about $100,000, approximately $190,000 for a two bedroom, and approximately $250,000
for a three bedroom.

Review the chart below for more details about living costs in Bali:

The Future of Smart Villages

Moving into a smart village community could definitely change your life for the better, especially if the upheld principles and values of that community were to match your own. The need and demand for smart villages will keep growing as awareness of successful smart village concepts continue to gain recognition and traction around the world. During these times of economic and ecological uncertainty mixed with an ongoing current of technological advancements, now is a more appropriate time than ever for innovators from around the world to team up. By getting together to create these systems in person or via the web, we have ourselves a prime opportunity to create functioning, tech-savvy new communities which help propel us forward through all the challenges we face. It always starts at home.