What is cohousing, and what are its defining characteristics?
Cohousing is a form of intentional neighbourhood in which residents actively participate in the design and operation of their own community. In cohousing, residents know their neighbours well and enjoy a strong sense of community that is typically absent in contemporary cities and suburbs. Cohousing communities consist of private, fully equipped dwellings and extensive common amenities including a common house and recreation areas. Most communities forge a strong partnership with a professional development team. Together they create a custom-built, resident-managed, close-knit neighbourhood that offers a healthy balance of privacy and community. These are the defining characteristics of cohousing: a) Participatory process: future residents participate in the design of the development so that it meets their needs. b) Neighbourhood Design: the residents intention is to create a strong sense of community and they use the design of the site as a means to achieve this goal. c) Common Facili
