Architecture & The Built Environment
2017
Lidewij Tummers
The PhD thesis "Learning from co-housing initiatives" by Lidewij Tummers explores the resurgence of co-housing in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, emphasizing its potential for sustainable living and community development. Key findings highlight that co-housing combines self-management, shared facilities, and collaborative decision-making. While there are challenges such as institutional barriers and the need for professional expertise, co-housing presents innovative solutions to environmental and social needs. The thesis includes case studies from the Netherlands and Switzerland, showcasing diverse co-housing models. Tummers also discusses the role of co-housing in promoting energy transition and sustainability, along with the professionalization of co-housing efforts. Additionally, the thesis addresses the intersections of co-housing with gender equality and climate change. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of collaboration among residents, engineers, and policymakers to harness the benefits of co-housing for sustainable urban development.
The document is a PhD thesis titled "Learning from co-housing initiatives" by Lidewij Tummers, published in 2017. The thesis explores the concept of co-housing, focusing on its re-emergence in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands. Here is a summary of the key findings and context:
Context and Author
- Author: Lidewij Tummers, affiliated with Delft University of Technology.
- Publication Year: 2017.
- Context: The thesis examines co-housing initiatives in Europe, highlighting their potential for sustainable living and community development.
Key Findings
- Re-emergence of Co-housing: The thesis notes the resurgence of co-housing in Europe, driven by residents seeking more sustainable and community-oriented living spaces. Co-housing combines elements of self-management, shared facilities, and collaborative decision-making.
- Challenges and Opportunities: Tummers identifies challenges faced by co-housing initiatives, including institutional barriers and the need for professional expertise. Despite these challenges, co-housing offers opportunities for innovative housing solutions that address environmental and social needs.
- Case Studies: The thesis includes case studies from the Netherlands and Switzerland, showcasing different models of co-housing. These examples highlight the diversity in design, governance, and energy efficiency within co-housing projects.
- Energy Transition and Sustainability: Tummers emphasizes the role of co-housing in promoting sustainable living and energy transition. Co-housing communities often adopt renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, contributing to a lower environmental impact.
- Professionalization of Co-housing: The thesis discusses the professionalization of co-housing, highlighting the emergence of new roles and expertise. This includes the development of specialized consultancies and training programs for professionals involved in co-housing projects.
- Institutional Challenges: Tummers addresses the institutional challenges faced by co-housing initiatives, such as legal and financial hurdles. Despite these challenges, co-housing is seen as a promising approach for achieving sustainable urban development.
- Gender and Climate Change: The thesis also explores the intersection of co-housing with gender equality and climate change. It suggests that co-housing can provide insights into how community-led initiatives can address broader societal challenges.
Conclusion
The thesis concludes by emphasizing the potential of co-housing to contribute to sustainable urban development and community building. It highlights the importance of collaboration between residents, engineers, and policymakers to overcome the challenges faced by co-housing initiatives and to leverage their benefits for a more sustainable future.