Re: Defining "the cohousing principle" | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Dave Busse (dsbussehotmail.com) | |
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2000 12:28:34 -0700 (MST) |
Anthony Cooke wrote: "We know how to design neighbourhoods to foster community now. We don't need resident participation in design. ... "We need to throw away the idea of the future owners/renters of cohousing communities having to be their own designers, and therefore, developers. These myths are a huge millstone around the neck of cohousing as a movement. May I propose: Those of use who choose cohousing as a way to push back against the alienating influences of our host culture are not the types to let other people control our destiny. Our personal and collective "mythologies" declare that (1) there is a better way and (2) we have the power to make positive change. It's in our blood to take care of ourselves, those who share our vision, and those to whom we are morally committed. We don't relinquish that responsibility easily. On the other hand, all of us know the stories of cohousing groups that manage to create their own Sisyphean legends out of the development process. You are right, we make our own problems by attempting to do what we don't have the expertise to do or by micro-managing details that probably make little difference to our actual quality of life. In the last two weeks I have talked to two acquaintances who once were involved in a cohousing group. They express mild interest in what we are doing, but it is clear that the two years that they spent in a cohousing group that didn't reach fruition left them burned out. They are pursuing housing alternatives that are more traditional but less expensive, emotionally. Still, our collective and individual stories affirm this: we can be creators of "goodness." We are not merely discoverers or consumers of a better way. We are creators. We have control. We demand control. There must be a middle ground, where we knowingly and intentionally relinquish control where we lack expertise or where we risk reinventing the wheel, and focus our efforts on the aspects of the design that are unique to our location and our group's raison d'etre. This means that we have to be fully aware of our propensity for control and don't disguise it as one of our cohousing virtues, that we confront our own ignorance, and a whole lot more. This also means that we have professionals who are sympathetic to our need for control, and are willing to provide that where it really matters. It's a middle ground that won't be easy to find. And I may have to eat my words. We (Equinox Cohousing Group) are just beginning the land search process. But we have professionals who will support us, so I am hopeful. I sincerely hope that I won't have to choose between being on time/budget or being a co-creator with the other members of the group. I would like to have both. Dave Busse Equinox Cohousing Group Eastside Seattle, WA, USA ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
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Defining "the cohousing principle" Anthony Cooke, March 24 2000
- Fwd: Defining "the cohousing principle" Zimmerland, March 25 2000
- Re: Defining "the cohousing principle" Dave Busse, March 25 2000
- Re: Defining "the cohousing principle" Jose Marquez, March 25 2000
- Re: Defining "the cohousing principle" Fred H. Olson, March 25 2000
- RE: Defining "the cohousing principle" Rob Sandelin, March 25 2000
- Re: Defining "the cohousing principle" Berrins, March 25 2000
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