Basic Principles

Foundational principles underlying the NewVistas community pattern include the following:

All things in common: Stewards do not own any assets. They contribute their assets and net worth to the community, which assumes title of all assets that the community owns. The community leases out these assets to stewards’ businesses, where they are productively utilized. Stewards receive a clear agreement that details what they have contributed and the expected return. Due to the community’s economic efficiency in utilizing factors of production, stewards receive a return on their contribution that is superior to other available investments.

No poor among them: Every steward runs a successful business. Community agencies assist stewards to run their businesses by providing various services, which are offered through automated systems and captains. Stewards also hire contractors for specialized help to their business and personal activities. These services greatly enhance the chances of business success. Those who do not yet have a business due to age (minor), and those unable to do so ( old age or disability) are under the care of a steward who, as a guardian, is responsible for their welfare, either as a parent, sibling, or offspring. This ensures all people are provided for. Stewards and dependents above 12 years of age have access to community infrastructure, which greatly enhances their chances of success through planning, entrepreneurship training, and help in R&D.

Social Life: Each participant is a member of a class, unit, group, branch, and village, all opportunities of enhanced social interaction. In addition, there are several opportunities to engage in recreation and arts, while lifelong learning to gain new life skills is strongly encouraged and facilitated.

Standard of living: Members of NewVistas communities enjoy a healthy, pleasant, and prosperous standard of living, with easier access to a wider variety of day-to-day activities. They have ample space within their apartments which have unfettered views of the landscape outside, breezeways and walkways that are covered, wide village squares, and social amenities. This fulfils an aim of the plat, which aimed to have participants “… enjoy the same privileges of society, and can surround their homes with the same intellectual life, the same social refinement as will be found in the home of the merchant or banker or professional man”.

Sustainability: NewVistas communities are built to be sustainable, with low impact and a small footprint in terms of physical space, resource consumption, and environmental effects. Consumption and waste are reduced more than is possible in standard modern communities.

Built to last: Buildings and fixtures are designed to be safe, functional, efficient, and very long-lasting.

Versatility: Household-based living modules are built using standardized, mass-produced building elements that incorporate transforming technology and are designed to allow buildings to be disassembled, moved, and reassembled.

Practical living: NewVistas communities are built to be walkable while also supporting a range of safe, scalable, and sustainable transportation options to meet a variety of needs, provide exercise, and promote a more diverse mix of economic and lifestyle opportunities.

Innovative living: Household privacy is maximized, while individual space requirements are minimized through innovative design and technology, including transformative use of living and commercial spaces.