this mesh begins as a stolon (a community mesh network) saw the design, development, and building of a mesh network within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside & Chinatown. Inspired by 221A’s x̱aw̓s shew̓áy̓ New Growth《新生林》garden, this project took the time to consider strategies for expanding and developing this necessary infrastructure in ways that were both responsive and responsible to the surrounding community. Pulling from strategies found within plant systems and networks, the project aimed to take advantage of the foresight offered by having both the time and space to consider the ways in which a MESH might be introduced, constructed, and utilized by the community. As a prototype, the project’s goal was to take time thinking through the multitude of ways in which a mesh might be developed: to install an initial node to be expanded on in the future; create a Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Manifesto to help guide and shape responsible and careful use of the network; aide local communities in learning how to access and utilize the network (and get excited by its potential); and to create a guide, Reflections on Stolon Mesh (a How-to Guide) reflecting on the process in order to share knowledge with future users.
This project is part of 221A’s Fellowship program. 221A work with artists and designers to research and develop social, cultural and ecological infrastructure.
Not familiar with Mesh Networks? Check out this essay: What is a MESH Network by Rosemary Heather.
More on my Research Fellowship at 221A. Access additional resources and glossary.
As a prototype, Stolon Mesh consists of three initial nodes across a network of community gardens:
- 271 Union St. – x̱aw̓s shew̓áy̓ New Growth 新生林 garden – Designed by T’uy’t’tanat-Cease Wyss, a Skwxwú7mesh/Sto:Lo/Hawaiian/Swiss artist, ethnobotanist, and educator, this site was designed and redressed from a vacant lot into a public garden with flora indigenous to this territory.
- 265 East 4th Ave. – coFood Collaborative Garden – coFood Vancouver is a collective of neighbours and projects doing good work in our food communities. We’re working to help people in the food systems of BC’s South Coast to connect with each other.
- 117 East Hastings St. – Healing Garden – Open to community as a garden since 2007, in a loose handshake-lease-agreement, The Healing Garden has been managed by Hives for Humanity since 2012. Hives’ role is a light touch to maintain the land as a street-level, low-barrier garden (rather than a vacant lot), supporting dtes frontline and urban indigenous community in weekly care, seasonal celebrations, and resourcing members to hold keys and open the space as needed.
How to Join the Network:
Stolon Mesh is a community mesh network supported by 221A offering free wifi to users in Vancouver’s DTES & Chinatown. The first node is located within the x̱aw̓s shew̓áy̓ New Growth《新生林》 Garden at 271 Union Street.
匍匐網是由221A機購支助為溫哥華市中心東端和唐人街社區而設的免費無線網絡. 網絡首個連接點位於 271 Union Street 《新生林》的園林內.
Stolon Mesh es una red mallada comunitaria a cargo de 221A que ofrece wifi gratuito a los usuarios del DTES y Chinatown en Vancouver. El primer nodo se encuentra dentro del jardín x̱aw̓s shew̓áy̓ New Growth《新生林》en el 271 de la calle de Union.
How to Join the Network:
How to log on:
– In your WiFi Settings: Connect to the stolonmesh wifi network with the password: newgrowth;
– When prompted, accept the terms of service and hit connect;
– You will be directed tothe Stolon Mesh website.
– Enjoy the internet!
Please note: The Stolon Mesh Network is limited to 10Mbps up/down speeds. You will need to login every 24 hours to continue accessing the network. Any questions? Get in touch: hello@221a.ca.
請注意: 匍匐網的上載及下載速度限定於 10mps. 用戶連接網絡超過24小時後需再從新登入.
如有問題請電郵到 hello@221a.ca
Nota: La red Stolon Mesh está limitada a 10 Mbps de velocidad de subida y bajada. Tendrás que conectarte cada 24 horas para seguir teniendo acceso a la red.
¿Alguna pregunta? Ponte en contacto: hello@221a.ca
Stolon Mesh is a collective space with the aim of creating a network that will remain just, caring, and responsible to others. It is free and open to use – please visit the network’s Terms of Service for more information.
匍匐網設立目的是為了開設一個提倡公義, 及對彼此關懷和負責的共享空間. 本網絡開放服務費用全免，詳情請查看服務條款.
Stolon Mesh es un espacio colectivo con el objetivo de crear una red que siga siendo justa, solidaria y responsable hacia los demás. Su uso es libre y gratuito. Para más información, consulte las condiciones de servicio de esta red.
Project Collaborators:
Christina Battle – Research Fellow and Project Lead
Noelle Lee – Community Lead Embedded Artist
Rithikha Rajamohan (V6A Labs) – Research Consultant
Sergio Rondero – Community Advisor
Herb Varley – Community Advisor
Boris Mann: Technical Advisor
Jacob Sayles: Technical Advisor
Greg McMullen: Legal Counsel
221A Staff: Tao Fei, Jesse McKee, and Stephan Wright
Gratitude for additional support by: Jacob Sayles; Coworking BC; Cascadia Collaborative Design; Boris Mann; and DWeb Vancouver.
We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for sharing their journey in building and sustaining community mesh networks of all shapes and sizes with us:
Seattle Community Network — Esther Jang
Bring The Web — Dana Ralutz, Colby Hollabaugh, Ben Bondy, Anthony Stewart
Coolab – Tanya Silva
Toronto Mesh/Hypha Worker Co-operative – Benedict Lau
Newport Wireless Mesh — Diane Peel
Philly Community Wireless — Alex Wermer-Colan
Personal Telco Project — Russell Senior
Bring The Web — Dana Ralutz, Colby Hollabaugh, Ben Bondy, Anthony Stewart
Mass Mesh — Stephen Smith
Janastu COW Mesh/Independent Consultants — Sarbani Belur, Amudhan Manivasagam
The Association for Progressive Communications/Alter Mundi — Nico Pace