Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Community & Architecture

[Rob Sandelin (robsan]

Ok, so I am possessed. Wanted to make one last point then I will go 
away for awhile:

shedrick coleman said:
> I wish to say that the architecture does play a part in the 
community.  There are >plenty on examples where the architectural 
character has actually destroyed any >possiblity of group association.

Group association is NOT community. Community is caring about each 
other enough to offer service and support. Community is noticing that 
your neighbors are getting ready to go on a trip, stressed out, and 
making them dinner. Community is taking a crying baby so the mom can 
get a break, without her even having to ask. Community is knowing that 
your neighbors parents are coming, taking their kids to your house so 
they can clean up the house. Community is coming home from work early 
so you can help one of your neighbors by holding her hand on the way to 
her cancer exam. Community is selflessly giving of yourself to others 
because you want to help them be happy.  It is about seeing and 
understanding the needs of others and filling those needs.

Group association is just being together, and just being together is 
not community. You have to really care about each other to have 
community. When you experience it, the difference is obvious.  It's a 
lot like love in that regard.

Rob Sandelin
I promise not to say anything more about this for a week
Sharingwood.