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Social Impact of Co-Housing – Potential of Cohousing Design in Alleviating Social Isolation

Part 2 Dissertation 2022
Jessika Jihad Elalam
De Montfort University | UK
In recent years, there has been an increase in social isolation in many parts of the world. The breakdown of families and communities reduces social networks and disintegrates the implied support within spatial proximity and kinship. We have witnessed the emergence of alternative types of living arrangement that reflect alternative forms of families.

This study explores the opportunities offered by the concept of urban commoning and uses cohousing as an example of commoning, investigating its potential in creating de-commodified urban spaces that foster social interaction.

The study adopts two cohousing case studies in the UK to better understand the physical design and the social interactions involved. The results indicate that cohousing’s physical and social infrastructure represents an arena for building social bonds and increasing social interaction, as well as nurturing the development of trust and care within a neighbourhood.

Regardless of the growing popularity of cohousing, its uptake has been limited in the UK. The literature suggests a correlation with high land value and availability. The study finds retrofit cohousing to offer great potential for cohousing projects to expand, allowing for the creation of new communities within existing neighbourhoods.

Jessika Jihad Elalam

Tutor(s)
Dr. Jamileh Manoochehri
2022
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