Our Common House: Using the Built Environment to Develop Supportive Communities

An examination of cohousing requires understanding its model. Of particular interest is finding out whether and to what extent the physical patterns of cohousing communities contribute to advance residents toward more sustainable and socially healthier living. This research used an action research process to examine the cohousing model and to explore the linkages between its social and physical patterns. Results showed that the social contact design strategies implemented in the case study community facilitate social contact among neighbors and foster feelings of safety within the community; and to some extent contribute to existence of a neighborhood support network and allow residents to participate in community governance and maintenance. Results suggest that cohousing may be a viable model for creating socially and environmentally healthy neighborhoods with a sense of community.