Cohousing Communities: Cooperation And Social Interaction

The formal concept of cohousing originates in Denmark though the driving sense of community and social interaction must have long been recognized and sought for by most homeowners everywhere. Broadly defined, cohousing is a kind of intentional community in which residents have participated in right on the onset of the design process and continue to actively participate in long after they move in. All cohousing communities all over the world exhibit two primary features: strong sense of community and cooperation by its residents, augmented by the presence of areas and structures built for common use.

As mentioned, future residents already contributed their share in the planning process of cohousing communities. This means most of the features of the community reflect their needs and preferences, with little input from the developer. As most residents also expect to spend a long time residing in this type of community, it makes sense for their opinions and views to be heeded and followed, though no individual should expect to have all of his or her expectations be met to the fullest measure. This is why it is important for future residents of cohousing communities to share the same vision and ideology regarding on the type of community they wish to live in.

Cohousing communities are also physically distinct from all other kinds of communities in which the neighborhood is laid out to encourage a good sense of community. This means houses numbering from less to 10 to 70 could be clustered together typically facing each other with the common structure well within the view of each residential property. Parking facilities are often on the periphery, while large open spaces may also be held for common use and enjoyment of its residents.

The common structure or house contains facilities that anyone in the community can use. Typically, this structure has its own fully equipped kitchen and dining room as members of the neighborhood are expected to take meals together several times a week, another activity distinct only within cohousing communities. Other areas of the common house could be a sitting area, a playroom, laundry, library, workshop, exercise room, crafts room, even a guest room or two. Cohousing communities also has areas designated as playgrounds and communal gardens.

Participation in this type of communication is also manifested by the contribution of each residents to the tasks needed to keep the property well managed. This could range from meal preparation to gardening to formation of community policies and rules. However, there is no recognized official leader in a cohousing community as decisions are mostly made through consensus.

Though it may appear as close-knit a community as possibility, cohousing communities are not built to cater to one religious community or ideology. Full ownership of each residential unit is enjoyed by individual residents and there is no single community economy or a unified source of income for the residents.

Apart from being part of a close and cooperating community, cohousing residents also enjoy the added benefit of security, as each member is known to everyone and any stranger or new face would certainly be scrutinized or watched over. Because of these, cohousing communities typically enjoy a healthy demand in the real estate market and often have a long line of waiting residents ready to move in at a moments notice.