Cohousing

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Cohousing is a type of intentional community composed of private homes supplemented by shared facilities. A cohousing community is planned, owned, and managed by the residents, who also share activities which may include cooking, dining, child care, gardening, and governance of the community.

History

The concept of cohousing originated in Denmark in the late 1960s. The Danish term for cohousing is "bofællesskab," which translates to "living community." The idea was brought to the United States in the 1980s by architects Charles Durrett and Kathryn McCamant, who coined the term "cohousing."

Characteristics

Cohousing communities typically feature:

• Private homes with full kitchens and bathrooms.
• Extensive common facilities such as a common house, which may include a large kitchen and dining area, laundry, recreational spaces, and guest rooms.
• A design that encourages social interaction, such as clustered housing and pedestrian-friendly pathways.
• A participatory process where future residents are involved in the design and development of the community.
• A non-hierarchical structure where decisions are made by consensus or other forms of participatory decision-making.

Types of Cohousing

Cohousing can be categorized into several types, including:

• Urban cohousing: Located in cities, often in multi-story buildings.
• Suburban cohousing: Located in suburban areas, typically featuring detached or semi-detached homes.
• Rural cohousing: Located in rural areas, often with a focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Benefits

Cohousing offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced social connections and a sense of community.
• Shared resources, which can reduce individual costs and environmental impact.
• Support for families, the elderly, and individuals through shared responsibilities and mutual aid.
• Opportunities for collaborative living and decision-making.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, cohousing also presents challenges such as:

• The initial cost and effort required to establish a community.
• The need for ongoing participation and commitment from residents.
• Potential conflicts arising from shared decision-making and communal living.

Examples of Cohousing Communities

Some well-known cohousing communities include:

• Muir Commons in Davis, California: The first cohousing community in the United States.
• Nyland Cohousing in Lafayette, Colorado: Known for its strong environmental focus.
• EcoVillage at Ithaca in Ithaca, New York: A model for sustainable living.

See Also

• Intentional community
• Eco-village
• Collective housing
• Communal living
• Sustainable living