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"Community" is the key word. The cohousing movement
started in Denmark with dual income families wishing to
find a more efficient and supportive way to parent their
kids and get the evening meals prepared. By living in an
intentional community these couples were able to share some
of the day to day responsibilities and in the process develop
a deep and caring connection with others in their community.
Today our homes are designed to isolate us from our neighbors
as we drive into our garages and close the door. Our days
are so busy in this fast paced society we are often too
tired to cook a healthy meal or go out again to meet with
others. The cohousing model is designed to end isolation
and increase support and connection with others while preserving
our need for personal space.
Most cohousing developments share some of the same characteristics.
- Residents share in at least some part of the design
process
- The physical design of the community encourages interaction
of the residents
- Homes are private with their own kitchens
- Extensive common areas including a Common House are
designed for daily use and to supplement private living
areas
- All the residents manage their own community
- Nonhierarchical decision making – decisions are
made as a community using the consensus model for decision
making
- Shared common meals – usually several per week.
The level of participation varies from community to community
and from person or family to family
Community is the life-force in cohousing with the Common
House its heart.
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