Defining Cohousing
From: Rob Sandelin (floriferousmsn.com)
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:06:04 -0800 (PST)
Craig sent out some thoughts about the definitions of cohousing and perhaps
rethinking the definition a little.  One of my problems with some of the
definitions of cohousing is that they do not effectively distinguish
cohousing from almost any other kind of intentional community.  However in
my travels around various intentional communities, cohousing is sometimes
seen as something VERY different (with the context of being inferior) to
whatever that particular community does.  So it seems like there are two
definitions required.  One which illustrates how cohousing differs from a
typical condo with common space and a home owners association, and how it
differs from say, a cooperative.  My own definition of cohousing always
includes the notion of private ownership and bank financed, while that is
normal for condos, it is rare in other kinds of Intentional Communities.  

There is also a major marketing role in having a definition which is easy
for lenders and other associated interests to be comfortable with. What is
really required? A commonhouse? Shared Meals? A desire to know and work
cooperatively with your neighbors? A democratic process?  Of these 4 ideas,
a condo can have 3 of them.  Intention seems to be a major piece of why
cohousing (and other communities) exist. But how to define that intention?

Rob Sandelin
Sharingwood 
Snohomish County, WA
On a very rainy day

 


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