Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Design that pushes the Envelope

[Philip Proefrock (psproefrock]

Personally, I think one of the easiest and most logical points for exploration 
and 'pushing 
the envelope' is in the common path that connects the individual units.  Much 
of the built 
cohousing in this country is on the west coast, where the climate is more 
temperate.  As 
such, there hasn't been much done with enclosed common space.

  Taking cues from examples like Jernstoberiet or Jystrup Savvaerket would make 
some 
sense if considered for an area like upstate New York (or like our own group 
which is just 
getting underway in the Chicago suburbs).

  Affordability and marketability will depend on the final design and execution 
more than on 
the initial concept.  As an architect, one thing I am thinking about at this 
point is to try to 
make a corridor which functions as both a connector between units and as a 
greenhouse or a 
sun porch on each unit's front.

  I think that most cohousing up to this point in time has been more focused on 
the whole 
process of 'getting it done' at all.  Now there is an organized base, and 
communities that 
have learned some lessons.  Subsequent communities may now be more able to push 
their 
design and to explore the possibilities that cohousing affords.

Philip Proefrock