Village Vertical

The Village Vertical housing project, located in Villeurbanne, France, is a mixed-development zone that includes 14 housing units and shared spaces. Initiated by a group of 10 households in 2005, the project emphasizes community, urban ecology, democracy, and collective control. The development is part of a larger complex with 24 rent-to-buy social housing units built by Rhône Saône Habitat. The project's unique features include a "village council" for decision-making, rotation of responsibilities, and collective management of tasks. The community also uses IT tools and committees to ensure effective communication and self-training. The project has gained significant media attention and is seen as a pioneering effort in reinventing residents' cooperatives in France.