The house of degrowth Can Decreix is a place to build on experiences and reflect around the topic of degrowth. Started by activist scientists from Research & Degrowth, Can Decreix is a centre for transformation (of fruits, vegetables, constructions, societies), for research, for testing frugal technologies, arts and agroecology. Situated in Cerbère, a shrinking village, on the Mediterranean border between France and Spain. Can Decreix is a space to accept limits and question borders. It does not conquer virgin territories.

Can Decreix develops open-localism, being connected with its surroundings and having international visits. It practices various degrowth strategies: simplicity in living, research, organization of meetings, of political and artistic events. This involves a range of activities from the organization of conferences and workshops, to working on practical ecology methods and organizing of hiking through the local ridges, or bicycle tours, to dance and body expression. The project strives to have minimum impact on nature, with minimum energy consumption, water recycling, solar kitchen and pedal washing-machine. The terrain has vineyards and olive trees terraces. Its intention is to grow food and use many edible wild plants, as well as to develop a forest garden.

Can Decreix is also sometimes a quiet place for thinking and writing, drawing and painting. The system of groovy tunnels, the enormous train station occupying the heart of the city and mostly used for the transit of cars and chemicals, the memories of the once flourishing train industry serves also as inspiration to think of employment and transport in a degrowth context.

photo: François Schneider photo: Monika Austaller photo: Can Decreix

Text: Can Decreix