about cohousing

Arguably intentional communities come in four types: religious, ecological, communal & practical. Eco-villages typically straddle the ecological and practical. Cohousing is a practical type of intentional community. The term cohousing was coined by Kathryn McCamant & Charles Durrett who studied innovative neighbourhood design in western Europe. Learning from these pioneering communities, these American architects have revived a neighbourhood design of the future.

The Danish call cohousing bofoellesskaber (‘Living Together’). According to Chris Hanson, the concept started in Denmark when a group of dual income families were searching for better child care and a way to share evening meal preparation.

Interest in this approach is based on the need most people have to feel a part of the neighbourhood they live in. According to Donna Spreitzer’s thesis, this sense of belonging is achieved in the cohousing blueprint and is available to those who care to participate in it. Cohousing provides opportunities for sharing resources and living more sustainably. Pragmatically, the use of cooperative principles and a DIY mentality can also mean that cohousing can offer economies of scale.

Hans Tilstra, April 2008