'Cohousing' is the name for a type of collaborative housing popular in Denmark and the United States. Pioneered in the early 70's, it has long provided a successful model for housing and can be identified by the following characteristics: residents plan and design the development and manage the scheme after completion; the physical design of the neighbourhood encourages a sense of community; private homes are supplemented by extensive common facilities, such as a common house, play space and gardens; decisions about the project are made on the agreement of all the residents.
In recent times many people have felt a lack of social and economic support, which was traditionally provided by extended families and close neighbourhoods. Housing developments have been designed for the 'traditional' nuclear family, where the father is the main bread winner and the other stays at home to look after the kids. Contemporary families vary, with more single parents, women working outside the home, growing numbers of elderly and people living on their own. Many of us face a child-care crisis, social isolation and a chronic shortage of time.
Cohousing 2000 is a group of people who have come together to create a cohousing development in the Edinburgh area in the year 2000. Cohousing balances privacy with easy access to a more sociable and sharing lifestyle for both adults and children. Cohousing 2000 offers: a balance of privacy with easy access to a more sociable and sharing lifestyle; a safe and supportive environment for children and adults; an inclusive mix of people from different backgrounds; a practical and spontaneous lifestyle; environmentally-sensitive design emphasising pedestrian access and open space.
In this development, which will be within a 25 mile radius of Edinburgh, each household will have their own home and also a share in a common house, play space and gardens. The design will be pedestrian-orientated, with cars restricted to the periphery, providing a safe and pleasant space for everyone. We are planning for 15 to 30 homes in the development and are currently looking for more people to join the group. If you would like more information about Cohousing 2000 please phone (01875) 320319 for details of introductory meetings in Edinburgh on 4 April and 17 May.