Cohousing is a concept that came to North America from Denmark where it emerged about 30 years ago. It encompasses neighbourhoods that combine the autonomy of private dwellings with the advantages of shared resources and community living.
Cohousing has the following characteristics:
- participatory process with residents engaging in the planning and development;
- physical design that encourages a sense of community, providing opportunities for spontaneous connection as well as maintaining the option of privacy;
- non-hierarchical structure and decision-making;
- private ownership of complete, self-contained homes centred around and focused on shared facilities.
Community feeling and connection is created by:
- the participation of all members in the planning, development and operation of the community, using a consensus decision-making process;
- the physical layout of the buildings, which is planned to create opportunities for interaction with neighbours, as well as privacy.
Cohousing communities typically range from 10 to 35 households, often with a multi-generational mix of singles, couples, families with children, and elders.
Resources
Canadian Cohousing Network
The Cohousing Association of the United States