Cohousing Communities - Designing for High- Functioning Neighborhoods

Charles Durrett, a distinguished architect, and affordable housing advocate, offers a comprehensive guide to designing community-first neighborhoods in Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods. He emphasizes the role of architecture and a healthy design process in the success of communities, churches, towns, and more. The book draws on the success of hundreds of community-first projects and provides ideas for town planning, street planning, and other town-altering improvements. It also discusses how developers can make better multifamily housing and how planners and politicians can make high-functioning neighborhoods a cornerstone of their community. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage and is an essential resource for university students and professors interested in creating new neighborhoods.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

In Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods, distinguished architect and affordable housing advocate Charles Durrett presents a groundbreaking and holistic new approach to designing community-first neighborhoods. This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step framework for creating spaces where the focus is entirely on the community. Through vivid descriptions and inspiring examples, the book explores the profound impact that architecture and a well-executed design process can have on the success of neighborhoods, churches, towns, and beyond. It serves as an inspiring collection of ideas that prioritize high-functioning communities.

The author draws upon the success of hundreds of community-first projects to demonstrate how readers can design projects that address both timeless and contemporary challenges, such as aging, climate change, and racism, in their architecture and urban design. He compiles essential facts and concepts that are crucial for designing a high-functioning community, where individuals can actively participate in ways that align with their values, strengthen social connections, and maintain their autonomy and privacy.

In addition to offering practical insights, the book provides valuable ideas for town planning, street planning, and other town-altering improvements. It delves into how developers can create better multifamily housing and explores how planners and politicians can make high-functioning neighborhoods a central pillar of their communities. The book also offers in-depth treatments for families seeking to ensure they choose the right neighborhood.

Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods is an invaluable resource for university students and professors who are passionate about exploring new ways to create neighborhoods. It will also appeal to universities planning new neighborhoods for retired alumni or new housing for students and faculty.

Praise for Charles:
Charles Durrett's Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods is a groundbreaking and transformative work that offers a fresh perspective on urban planning and community development. By focusing on the importance of community-first design, the book provides a comprehensive guide for creating spaces that promote social connectivity, sustainability, and well-being. Through his extensive research and practical insights, Durrett demonstrates how architecture and urban design can be used to create high-functioning neighborhoods that foster a sense of belonging and enhance the quality of life for residents.

One of the key strengths of the book is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Durrett draws on his extensive experience in designing and managing cohousing communities to provide practical examples and case studies that illustrate the benefits of community-first design. He offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise, sharing valuable insights and strategies that can be applied to a wide range of projects, from small-scale developments to large-scale master plans.

Another notable aspect of the book is its emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Durrett recognizes the critical role that architecture and urban design play in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices. He provides guidance on incorporating green infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building materials into community-first designs, ensuring that future generations can thrive in healthy and sustainable environments.

Moreover, Durrett's approach to community-first design is inclusive and accessible to all. He recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in creating high-functioning neighborhoods and advocates for designing spaces that accommodate a wide range of needs and preferences. He encourages collaboration and engagement between residents, developers, and policymakers, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the community's well-being.

In conclusion, Cohousing Communities: Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning, community development, and creating sustainable and inclusive communities. With its comprehensive approach, practical insights, and emphasis on sustainability, the book offers a valuable resource for professionals, policymakers, and community members alike. By prioritizing community-first design, we can create spaces that promote social connectivity, well-being, and a sense of belonging, shaping a brighter future for our cities and neighborhoods.

Weight: 1208g
Dimension: 274 x 221 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119897705