Together by Design: The Art and Architecture of Communal Living

Intentional communities, such as co-living, communal living, and cohousing projects, are a growing area in the sharing economy. This survey explores them through architecture, public policy, sociology, and sustainability, featuring fifteen to twenty contemporary projects that address the challenges and benefits of shared resources and spaces. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly one in three adults in the United States lives in a shared household.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press

The sharing economy is witnessing a significant expansion with the emergence of intentional communities, encompassing co-living, communal living, and cohousing projects. This timely survey delves into these communities through the lenses of architecture, public policy, sociology, and sustainability.

In recent years, prominent publications such as The Atlantic, Forbes, Time, and Curbed have extensively covered the rise of intentional communities. These collective housing alternatives, which initially gained popularity in the United States in the early 1990s and originated in Denmark in the 1960s, have garnered increasing attention worldwide.

Intentional Communities, a comprehensive book, presents fifteen to twenty contemporary projects that explore the challenges and benefits of shared resources and spaces. With a growing population, nearly one in three adults in the United States lives in a shared household, according to the Pew Research Center. Spanning from Copenhagen to Washington, DC, this survey encompasses a wide range of topics, including architecture, public policy, design, lifestyle, culture, and environmental sustainability.

Architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping intentional communities. The book showcases innovative designs that incorporate shared amenities, such as kitchens, living spaces, and gardens, promoting social interaction and a sense of community. These designs also prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, incorporating green technologies and environmentally friendly materials.

Public policy plays a crucial role in fostering the development and regulation of intentional communities. The survey examines policies that promote affordable housing, community integration, and sustainable development, ensuring that these communities contribute to the well-being of their residents and the broader society.

Sociology sheds light on the social dynamics and cultural aspects of intentional communities. It explores the formation of these communities, the roles of individuals and groups, and the impact they have on personal growth, social connections, and community resilience. Sociology also examines the challenges and tensions that may arise within these communities, such as conflicts over resources, boundaries, and values.

Sustainability is a central theme in intentional communities. The book emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and the integration of sustainable practices into daily life. It explores the role of renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture in creating sustainable communities that minimize their ecological footprint and promote long-term sustainability.

Intentional Communities offers a comprehensive exploration of this growing area of the sharing economy. It provides valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of shared resources and spaces, the role of architecture, public policy, sociology, and sustainability in shaping these communities, and the potential for these communities to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. Whether you are an architect, policymaker, community member, or interested in sustainable living, this book is a valuable resource for understanding the evolving landscape of intentional communities.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648960277