Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Designing Your Own CoHousing

[Shedrick Coleman (shedarch]

In message Fri, 7 Apr 95 09:03 CDT,
  Harry_Pasternak [at] tvo.org (Harry Pasternak)  writes:

> subject: Design Your Own Cohousing
> Thanks
> Harry
>
> For those of you who wish to practise "disintermediation" -cutting out the
> "middlepeople"-here are the steps to successfully design your own
> collaborative/cooperative/cohousing community.
>

Harry leaves out a major issue I have seen discussed on in this forum. That
is the gaining of approvals by code, zoning and other officals.  This is no
small matter when these persons have no clear idea of what cohousing is.
Does Harry propose that his groups will have the savy and understanding of
all the issues of numerous code books and zoning manuals to resolve them
without the insight of a professional?  In a perfect world this might be
possible, but in the long run, the group will probably be forced to seek
outside counsel for resolution.  This is no small matter and can cost far
more to the group than the cost of a fee to any knowledgable professional.

Unless the cohousing community is comprised of detached residences on
individual lots or duplexes, most building codes shall consider the development 
as
multi-family and will require the certification by an Architect or Engineer.
I caution anyone who believes that the building process can be learned from
a book or a few hands-on lessons.  Any competent professional shall tell you
that it is a process of continual education and growth and no one knows it
all!  There will be success stories which shall follow the path outlined in
Harry's post, but there are plenty of horror stories out there of those who
found the road he suggests full of regets.

I offer that any group contemplating a major effort such as this seriously
investigate what it will take in there respective area to undertake such a
endeavour prior to moving forward.  Take the time to ensure your success no
matter what method you follow.  Be certain that there are no guarantees out
there that you will be successful with or without an architect or builder.
It's really up to the strength of the group to have clear objectives which
are translated to the professional who serves you.  Remember that you
control the process and not the other way around.  Build partnerships toward
a positve solution to your cohousing vision.  It's possible to do, but its
not easy no matter how you decide to proceed.
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W. Shedrick Coleman, AIA                |W. Shedrick Coleman, AIA
Architect                               |Wm. Shedrick Coleman, Architect
Facilities Planning & Space Utilization |130 Brandlewood Drive
Georgia Southern University             |Savannah, Georgia 31405
Statesboro, Georgia                     |(912)232-7233 FAX:(912)239-9920
shedarch [at] gsvms2.cc.gasou.edu            |Shedarch [at] AOL.com
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