2011 Cohousing Conference in Washington DC

Cohousing is a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable model of housing that provides for many of the most important human values that are often neglected. The idea in its current form has been around for decades, and yet a very small portion of people even know that it is a residential option. Even most of the architects I talk to have never heard of cohousing. Please, take a moment to check out cohousing, and if you find yourself as interested as I am, come to the Cohousing Conference in Washington DC from June 15-19.

http://conference.cohousing.org/

"Come learn, share and perhaps to volunteer. The conference will feature cohousing and community experts - and is a great opportunity to network with dedicated cohousing activists, supporters and residents from around the world. Presentations and workshops will address everything from the basics of cohousing, designing and building communities, living in community as well as how we can contribute to making cohousing more widespread, more sustainable and more affordable. Washington D.C. offers a great opportunity for thought leaders and policy makers at the national level to consider what the cohousing model has to offer in the goal of creating better neighborhoods for the future."

Tags: Architecture, Cohousing, Community, Conference, DC, Planning, Residential, Urban, Washington

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Springer on May 25, 2011 at 3:53pm

Sounds like a great conference, I wish I could attend! :)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tyler Middendorf on June 4, 2011 at 9:43am

If you can't come to the conference because it's too expensive, you might consider doing a work trade scholarship, which covers half of the fee. If you look on the conference webpage, there is a link for the "volunteer form." It would be great to see you there!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Springer on June 6, 2011 at 11:43am

Looks interesting. What, precisely, is cohousing?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tyler Middendorf on June 7, 2011 at 6:58am

I am by no means an expert on the subject, but cohousing is a residential type in which each member will own their living unit as well as a share in a common areas. Many times these common areas will include a garden or greenhouse, a large kitchen and dining room, social spaces, and a yard. The purpose behind this is to minimize individual ownership of public areas and thereby expense, and emphasize community activity. This has positive psychological effects and is considered much more socially sustainable than more typical housing types.

The Pioneer Valley Cohousing website explains it like this:

"Cohousing is a Danish concept that came to the US in the late 1980s and is quickly gaining momentum across the country. Members own individual homes and maintain their privacy and autonomy while sharing some meals, activities, facilities and, most important, a community spirit."

Hope this helps!