The term “cohousing” refers to a collaborative housing model where residents actively participate in the design and operation of their neighborhoods, fostering a strong sense of community. This concept originated in Denmark in the late 1960s, introduced by Danish architect Jan Gudmand-Høyer. In 1968, Gudmand-Høyer published an article titled “The Missing Link between Utopia and the Dated Single Family House,” which catalyzed the formation of the first cohousing communities, such as Sættedammen and Skråplanet.
The movement gained international traction when American architects Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett studied Danish cohousing communities in the 1980s. Inspired by these models, they introduced the concept to North America through their 1988 book, “Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves.” They also designed Muir Commons in Davis, California, which became the first cohousing community in the United States, completed in 1991.
Key Figures in the Cohousing Movement:
- Jan Gudmand-Høyer: Recognized as the founder of the cohousing movement, his visionary ideas in the 1960s laid the groundwork for modern cohousing communities. The Christian Science Monitor
- Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett: Pioneers who introduced and adapted the Danish cohousing model to North America, significantly influencing its development and proliferation. Altair Eco Village
Notable Cohousing Resources:
- Websites:
- Cohousing Association of the United States: https://www.cohousing.org/
- CoHousing Solutions: https://www.cohousing-solutions.com/
- Books:
- “Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves” by Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett.
- “Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities” by Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett.
- Housing Projects:
- Muir Commons in Davis, California: The first U.S. cohousing community, exemplifying the model’s principles.
- Sættedammen in Denmark: One of the earliest cohousing communities, serving as an inspiration for future developments.
Some documentaries that explore the concept of cohousing and intentional communities:
- Aging Gratefully: The Power of Community (2015)
This documentary delves into the lives of senior citizens who choose to age together in a cohousing community, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the benefits of communal living. IMDb - Aging Gratefully: The Power of Good Health and Good Neighbors (2017)
Filmmaker and Silver Sage Village senior cohousing resident Alan O’Hashi explores the impact of physical exercise and emotional health within a cohousing setting, highlighting the importance of community in promoting well-being. IMDb - Aging Gratefully: COVID-19, Catharsis, and Community (2020)
This film examines how cohousing communities adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the role of intentional living in fostering resilience and mental health during challenging times. IMDb - Within Reach (2012)
This documentary follows a couple’s journey across the United States in search of a sustainable and intentional community to call home, providing insights into various cohousing and eco-village models. IMDb - The Older Women’s Cohousing Project (2011)
Focusing on a group of women over 60 in the UK, this short film showcases their efforts to create a cohousing project, addressing issues of isolation and the desire for a supportive community in later life. IMDb - The Turning Point: A Return to Community (2009)
This documentary explores the significance of community in the 21st century, highlighting how intentional communities and cohousing can contribute to a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. IMDb
Some insightful YouTube videos that explore the concept of cohousing:
- Cohousing Communities Help Prevent Social Isolation
- This video examines how intergenerational cohousing communities in Denmark and the U.S. strengthen social ties and combat isolation.
- Watch here
- WindSong Cohousing Community
- A look into the WindSong Cohousing Community, showcasing its design and the lifestyle of its residents.
- Watch here
- Denmark Cohousing – Happy Documentary Clip
- A segment from the documentary “Happy” by Roko Belic, highlighting a unique way of living in Danish cohousing communities.
- Watch here
- A New Cohousing Film: The Best of Both Worlds
- Documentary filmmaker John de Graaf and architect Charles Durrett discuss their film on cohousing’s benefits.
- Watch here
- Cohousing Communities of Ann Arbor — Episode 4 of Planet Community
- This episode explores the cohousing communities in Ann Arbor, providing insights into their structure and community life.
- Watch here
Some notable articles and blog entries discussing cohousing:
Magazine and Newspaper Articles:
- “How to be not lonely? ‘Cohousing’ is an answer for some people”
This NPR article explores how cohousing communities help combat social isolation by fostering shared spaces and connections among residents. NPR - “We built our own co-housing community”
The BBC highlights the New Ground co-housing community, where residents have their own homes and access to shared facilities, promoting a sense of community. BBC - “Building Community with Cohousing”
Urban Land Magazine discusses how cohousing serves as an “intentional community,” emphasizing shared spaces, time, and values among its members. Urban Land - “For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits”
Planetizen examines how co-living developments provide built-in communities that help alleviate the growing isolation felt by many Americans. Planetizen - “Ten Lessons in Neighborliness From a Cohousing Community”
The Greater Good Science Center shares insights from a decade of living in an intentional community in Oakland, California, highlighting the benefits of cohousing. Greater Good
Blog Entries:
- Cohousing Association of the U.S. Blog
The Cohousing Association maintains a blog featuring posts from various contributors within the cohousing movement, sharing ideas and experiences. Cohousing US - Cohousing Now! eNews Archives
This monthly eNewsletter provides updates on cohousing happenings, including inspirational articles, upcoming events, and homes for sale. Cohousing US