Lidewij Tummers
Architecture & The Built Environment
2017
The document titled "Learning from co-housing initiatives" is a PhD thesis authored by Lidewij Tummers, published in 2017 and affiliated with Delft University of Technology. The thesis explores the re-emergence of co-housing in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, focusing on its potential for sustainable living and community development. 🌍 Context and Overview Co-housing initiatives have gained traction in Europe as residents seek more sustainable and community-oriented living environments. This thesis highlights how co-housing combines self-management, shared facilities, and collaborative decision-making to create more sustainable living conditions. 🔍 Key Findings The research identifies several key findings regarding co-housing initiatives. Firstly, there is a noted resurgence in Europe, particularly driven by a desire for sustainable and community-focused living spaces. Secondly, Tummers discusses both the challenges faced by these initiatives, such as institutional barriers and the necessity for professional expertise, and the opportunities they present for innovative housing solutions that address environmental and social needs. 🏡 Case Studies and Models The thesis includes diverse case studies from the Netherlands and Switzerland, illustrating different models of co-housing. These examples demonstrate variations in design, governance, and energy efficiency, showcasing how co-housing can adapt to different contexts and needs. ⚡ Energy Transition and Sustainability Tummers emphasizes the significant role that co-housing plays in promoting sustainability and facilitating energy transitions. Many co-housing communities adopt renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, which contribute to reducing their environmental impact. 📈 Professionalization of Co-housing The thesis discusses the professionalization of co-housing, noting the emergence of specialized roles and expertise, including new consultancies and training programs tailored for professionals in this field. This professionalization is crucial for the successful implementation and management of co-housing projects. 🛑 Institutional Challenges Tummers also addresses legal and financial hurdles that co-housing initiatives face. Despite these challenges, co-housing is presented as a promising strategy for sustainable urban development. ♀️ Gender and Climate Change Additionally, the thesis explores the connections between co-housing, gender equality, and climate change, suggesting that community-led initiatives can provide insights into addressing broader societal challenges. 🔚 Conclusion In conclusion, Tummers emphasizes the potential of co-housing to foster sustainable urban development and community building, stressing the need for collaboration among residents, engineers, and policymakers to overcome existing challenges and harness the benefits of co-housing for a sustainable future.
Architecture & The Built Environment
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.