Architecture & The Built Environment
2017
Lidewij Tummers
The document is a PhD thesis titled "Learning from co-housing initiatives," authored by Lidewij Tummers in 2017 and published by Delft University of Technology. It delves into the concept of co-housing, which has been re-emerging in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands. The thesis investigates how these community-oriented living spaces can foster sustainable living and community development. Tummers identifies a resurgence in co-housing driven by residents' desires for more sustainable lifestyles. The research highlights the benefits of co-housing, which combines self-management, shared facilities, and collaborative decision-making. Nevertheless, the thesis also addresses the challenges these initiatives face, including institutional barriers that necessitate professional expertise for successful implementation. The author presents various case studies from the Netherlands and Switzerland, showcasing diverse co-housing models. These examples illustrate the variety in design, governance, and energy efficiency among co-housing projects. Tummers emphasizes the role of co-housing in promoting energy transition and sustainability through the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies. The thesis further explores the professionalization of co-housing initiatives, noting the emergence of specialized consultancies and training programs. Additionally, it discusses the intersection of gender, climate change, and community-led initiatives. Ultimately, Tummers concludes that co-housing has the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable urban development, emphasizing the need for collaboration among residents, engineers, and policymakers to maximize its benefits.
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.