Cohousing-L Mailing List: reflections on 2011 National Conference

[Grace Kim (grace]

This is just a tidbit from my blog post reflecting on the 2011 National 
Cohousing Conference. For the whole post, I invite you to read:
http://schemataworkshop.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/highlights-from-the-2011-national-cohousing-conference/

Keynote addresses were made by Liz Walker, Ross Chapin, Katie McCamant, and 
Chuck Durrett. Common theme amongst all of their talks were around the 
importance of relationships and the resiliency of communities. Liz spoke about 
the Ecovillage she lives at in Ithaca, NY. She talked not only about the 
cohousing communities that are part of that Ecovillage (FRoG, SoNG, and soon to 
be TREe), but also of the sustainable agriculture and educational outreach that 
are integral to their community life. Ross Chapin shared a beautiful collection 
of slides that illustrated the concept of "pocket neighborhoods" - which is 
also the title of his recently published book. Katie McCamant inspired us with 
stories of the early days of cohousing when she and her husband/partner Chuck 
Durrett recruited friends to help edit/distribute the book which has become 
known as the "cohousing bible" from their basement of their first home. Chuck 
Durrett closed the conference stating that cohousing may be at a tipping point 
in mainstream America; there is a heightened awareness of cohousing as an 
alternative housing model that is attractive to a variety of families and 
individuals. The keynote addresses provided a lot of food for thought and 
inspiration to go back home and try to build community wherever we can.

Leaving the conference, I feel a deep gratitude for the elders, board members, 
fellow cohousers who are trying to create a sustainable planet, one 
neighborhood at a time.

grace h kim aia, architect & cofounder
schemata workshop | empowering communities through architecture
1720 12th ave #3  seattle wa 98122  v 206 285 1589
www.schemataworkshop.com<http://www.schemataworkshop.com/>

Recipient of 2010 AARP/NAHB Livable Communities Award