A global ecosystem of places for modern-day da Vinci’s
What if history wasn’t just the past, but a blueprint for our future? In this second documentation episode, we dive into the deeper why behind CUSTODIA—not just as a place, but as a prototype for a global renaissance of custodianship. We explore how modern-day Leonardos are called to lead humanity’s next great transformation, and why our fragmented, outdated systems can’t respond to the meta-crisis we face adequately. From the philosophical roots of the project to the bold organizational architecture now emerging, this film maps the unfolding vision of an ecosystem that could one day reminisce the impact that Florence had on the Renaissance.
The story of CUSTODIA is not just about building a village—it’s about contributing effectively to a bright future.
This second episode in our documentation series zooms out to ask the bigger questions: Who will lead humanity through its next evolutionary leap? What kind of places, systems, and mindsets do we need to thrive in the age of the meta-crisis?
As we draw inspiration from the Renaissance and its most iconic figure, Leonardo da Vinci, we uncover the profound lessons history offers us now. We introduce a new archetype of leadership—the modern-day Leonardo—and explore how CUSTODIA is becoming a fertile ground for this kind of being to emerge.
This episode reveals the organizational DNA behind the project, including the decision to build CUSTODIA as a FairShares Commons—designed not for profit, but for the regeneration of life in all its forms. It is a manifesto for a civilization in metamorphosis, and an invitation to all those who feel called to co-create the next chapter of our collective journey.
Chapters
00:00 – A global ecosystem of villages
We open with the bold vision behind CUSTODIA: a global ecosystem of creative sanctuaries and leadership hubs for the modern-day Leonardos who are here to guide the next Renaissance.
01:21 – Leonardo da Vinci
By revisiting the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, we uncover the power of polymathy and why a new kind of leader—curious, holistic, and interdisciplinary—is essential today.
04:48 – The hub of the Renaissance
The flourishing of Florence during the Renaissance teaches us how the right cultural soil can nurture genius and ignite transformations that shape the world for centuries.
06:59 – The meta-crisis
We examine how the same forces that gave rise to beauty and innovation also laid the groundwork for today’s interconnected crises—ecological, economic, and social.
10:12 – Modern-day Leonardos
The path forward cannot be led by today’s elites—it requires the rise of modern-day Leonardos grounded in purpose, wisdom, and fearless service.
12:13 – Wholeness and fragmentation
To effectively respond to the meta-crisis, we must move beyond fragmented thinking and reconnect with the wholeness of life, dissolving false boundaries between self and world.
14:22 – Becoming a polymath
Through the framework of the four archetypes of custodianship, we explore how to cultivate emotional depth, physical strength, intellectual clarity, and spiritual trust.
17:55 – A Florence of the 21st century
Just as Florence enabled da Vinci, we now need places that enable modern-day Leonardos to flourish—ecosystems of beauty, creativity, and cross-pollination.
19:07 – How CUSTODIA emerged
We document the building of CUSTODIA’s first location in the Balinese mountains—from regenerative design to the smallest handcrafted detail, all in the spirit of custodianship.
22:26 – A village of 150 people
Our vision: transforming CUSTODIA into a full village of 150 residents, a scale that fosters intimacy, diversity, and a resilient intergenerational community.
24:09 – A global network of villages
CUSTODIA is not just one place—it’s the beginning of a global network of interconnected villages where ideas, people, and resources move as a part of one living organism.
24:55 – Incorporating as a FairShares Commons
We explore how CUSTODIA is structured as a FairShares Commons, a groundbreaking organizational model rooted in collaboration, stakeholder stewardship, and regeneration.
27:13 – An ecosystem of custodian companies
Beyond villages, we envision an ecosystem of custodian-led companies—spanning construction, education, technology, and more—working together for the thriving of all life.
29:02 – The coming of age of humanity
Could humanity’s unsustainable phase be just a prelude to a grand evolutionary leap—a metamorphosis into a more conscious, connected species?
31:57 – How to get involved in CUSTODIA
As the doors to CUSTODIA open, we invite you to step into this experiment—whether as a guest, a resident, or a co-creator of a future in service to life itself.
Additional Resources
Throughout the episode, we reference a range of important works and initiatives that have shaped CUSTODIA tremendously:
Writings & Talks:
- Gaia’s Custodians by Robert Gladitz
- The Dialogues between J. Krishnamurti and David Bohm – exploring wholeness, fragmentation, and the nature of understanding
- Spiral Dynamics – a framework for understanding second-tier consciousness
Concepts & Frameworks:
- The four Archetypes of Custodianship – Romantic, Guardian, Genius, and Mystic; a model for becoming a modern-day Leonardo
- FairShares Commons – a post-capitalist organizational structure designed for shared stewardship and regeneration
Partners:
- Heveya – providers of natural, organic bedding for CUSTODIA’s sleeping setups
- Nordisk – Danish sustainability leaders providing the cotton tents for CUSTODIA
CUSTODIA:
- CUSTODIA Companionship – CUSTODIA serves as a second home for Bali based change makers
- CUSTODIA on Instagram – follow the CUSTODIA journey through frequent updates and glimpses into every day life
- CUSTODIA on YouTube – the place for high production quality insights into CUSTODIA